Cowling back in coach’s seat

JAYDEN Cowling will once again take the reins for the Bendigo FNL 17 & Under Netball and Open Netball representative teams for season 2021.

Cowling coached the BFNL open netball team to success in 2019 and was committed to season 2020 before it was cancelled due to COVID-19.

He is eager to see the open team strive for success again and also for the chance to coach the league’s future stars in the 17 & Under team.

“It’s a genuine honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to lead and represent both our BFNL netball teams in 2021,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to building on where we left off with the Opens in 2019, and to be able to work in the junior program is something that really excites me.

“I am looking forward to working alongside both our experienced players within the league, but also our up-and-coming superstars.”

BFNL Manager Cameron Tomlins said appointing Cowling, who is a state and national representative player, was an easy decision.

“Jayden is an outstanding coach, leader and person of strong character in general, who has proven his ability to effectively lead a variety of netball teams to success in our region,” he said.

“His ability to develop, instil confidence, build relationships, and achieve complete investment from players and volunteers alike provides the BFNL representative program with a great chance to succeed.”

Mr Tomlins said while the 17 & Under and Open championships will go ahead, interleague participation for both football and netball will be deferred until 2022, as the BFNL continues to bounce back from COVID.

Trials for the 17 & Under team began last week, with the Netball Victoria Association Championships Northern qualifier scheduled for 6 June at Bendigo Stadium.