Young netballers are western Sydney’s answer to world champs Diamonds

Meet the young undefeated netball champs that could be western Sydney’s answer to the Australian Netball Diamonds.

Back row (left to right): Matelita Vosaicake; Leiona Sisifa; Teigan Saunders; Madeline Nolan; Lauren Woods. Front row (left to right): Shaena Charlesworth; Shannyn Bonner; Taylah Jones (co-captain); Taya McLean (co-captain); Hannah Duncan

Meet the young netball champions that could be western Sydney’s answer to the Australian Netball Diamonds.

The under-15 Blacktown City Netball Association representative team seem to be on a similar trajectory to the Diamonds, who are the world champions.

The under-15’s representative team is undefeated — a testament to training, positive attitude and teamwork.

The team, who train at International Peace Park, Blacktown, have been training together for two years.

The team has been nominated by Lisa Woods, step-mother of goal shooter Lauren.

“The girls work so well together which shows in their results,” Mrs Woods said.

“They work really hard at training, are positive with each other and push each other to do well,”

Coached by Charmaine Eddy, the side was undefeated during the Penrith, Northern Suburbs, Liverpool and Campbelltown carnivals.

The team participated in the division 2 State Age Championships held at Bankstown from July 2-4.

They played 19 20 minute games over the three days, and were the undefeated champions.

Goal shooter Lauren Woods scored 379 of the team’s 464 total goals for the weekend.

Blacktown’s goal keeper, Matelita Vosaicake, was also selected in Western Sydney Academy of Sport’s highly successful Division 2 team.

“Winning State Age was the icing on the cake for this legendary group of girls, as they were also the undefeated winners of all four rep carnivals that they participated in leading up to State Age,” Mrs Woods said.

“These were the just rewards for this devoted group of girls who all put in 100 per cent effort at every one of their gruelling training sessions, twice a week, every week since February.”

Mrs Woods says the team’s commitment to training, team spirit and to the game of netball in general is commendable.

The under-15s are this week’s Junior Sports Star nominees, which is proudly supported by Rebel.