Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton netballers in Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy
Players from Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns have been named in the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy, while four officials are in Netball Queensland’s regional umpire development squad.
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Talented teenage netballers from regional Queensland have been named in the inaugural intake of the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy.
The 13 players, aged from 15 to 18, are from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton.
As part of the recently announced Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy (QFFA) program, those athletes will receive support from QFFA coaches and staff to nurture their talent and develop their skills in their hometowns.
It’s part of NQ’s commitment to removing barriers to the highest levels of netball for regional athletes.
Male athlete and Queensland Suns representative Daniel Statton is one of five Cairns-based athletes included.
There are two from Townsville and three from both Mackay and Rockhampton (see the full squad below).
Netball Queensland head of pathways Roselee Jencke said the academy would deliver programs in north Queensland that aligned with those offered in the south-east.
“This will ensure athletes have the same opportunities to improve their technical skills, have access to specialised educational opportunities and be more fully supported in the pathway,” Jencke said.
“It’s exciting to commence this program with the announcement of athletes, officials and – later this week – coaches.
“This program will allow regions to keep talent in an area for longer, in turn providing more resources for the whole community to access and learn from.”
The good news isn’t reserved for players only, with four officials included in Netball Queensland’s regional umpire development squad.
They are Zoe Jaenke (Mackay), Adriene Kannengiesser (Mackay), Hayley Killer (Townsville) and Alice Maguire (Rockhampton).
2024 Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy: Grace Gabriel (Rockhampton), Brooke Harold (Cairns), Paige Jones (Rockhampton), Charlotte Jonsen (Cairns), Ciarn MacBride (Cairns), Christa Nissen (Mackay), Kate O’Brien (Mackay), Chelsea O’Neill (Townsville), Shaylah Pershouse (Mackay), Sonnyanne Raggett (Townsville), Ella Sheppard (Cairns), Daniel Statton (Cairns), Mia Victorsen (Rockhampton).
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