Freemantle first tocoach new BFNL rep side

STRATHFIELDSAYE netball leader Steph Freemantle will usher the BFNL into an exciting new era of representative netball as coach of the league’s inaugural 15-and-under coach.

The appointment of Freemantle – the Storm’s A-grade coach from 2021-24 and a former BFNL open team assistant coach – marks a new chapter in the development pathway for young athletes within the Bendigo league.

It follows the announcement last month of the establishment of a 15-and-under netball competition for the first time in the BFNL’s storied history.

A highly respected member of the Bendigo netball community, Freemantle brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience, most recently at Strathfieldsaye, and previously at Golden Square.

Her involvement across multiple levels of community and representative netball has earned her a reputation for fostering team culture and driving high-standard performances.

BFNL manager Tom King said the league was thrilled to welcome Freemantle into an important new role.

“Her coaching credentials and enthusiasm for developing young netballers make her the ideal person to lead this program,” he said.

“The launch of the 15-and-under representative team is a major step forward in expanding opportunities for talented junior athletes across our league.

“The BFNL congratulates Steph on her appointment and looks forward to the positive impact she will have on the next generation of netballers.”

Freemantle will oversee team selection, program planning and on-court development.

Trial dates and a team schedule that will include an interleague clash against Ovens and Murray will be unveiled at a later date.