Tigers prep State Super Netball squad

TORQUAY Tigers Netball Club is on the lookout for expressions of interest for players aged 19 or younger in a bid to join a new competition in 2024.

The Tigers are hopeful it can drum up a sizeable group of players to add Torquay to the new State Super Netball Series competition, which begins in March.

The weekly competition will feature clubs from both metropolitan and regional areas, such as Ballarat and Williamstown, and will operate out of Altona Sports Centre with fixtures on Tuesday nights.

Torquay head senior coach and manager of the new side Sonia Harris said Netball Victoria’s decision to host the State Super Netball Series out of Altona was a big factor for the Tigers’ interest in joining the competition.

“We think it’s a good opportunity for us as a club to develop our Under 19 players and to help close the gap between our netballers transitioning from juniors to seniors.

“It allows up to get our players on the court for longer with the additional game during the week on top of their regular weekend games.

“We’re still working out the finer details but right now we’d love to hear from our current players eager to join.”

The Tigers have appointed Jacoba Burns as the side’s coach in 2024.

The series’ official start date is slated for March 12 and will conclude in a grand final on August 16.

Netball Victoria’s decision to create the competition coincides with the Victorian Netball League’s move to condense its structure to two competitions from three – Championship Division and Under 23.

Harris said Torquay welcomed expressions of interest from players at other local clubs.

“We want to run a larger squad because we’re dealing with an age group that can be tricky at times when it comes to commitments, sporting, school or otherwise, so we won’t be running a set 10. We’d be more than happy to run two teams if we get the numbers for it.

“The main thing we want this new team to do is get players out of their comfort zone; it’s to expose yourself to competition outside this region; it’s further games of netball, which is always good; and it’s also extra training that requires you to be tested at a higher level.

“Training will also be held at Spring Creek Reserve.”

The first trial will be held on December 9.

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