Panthers head west to grow game

Darling Downs Panthers prepare for tour to help develop regional netballers

STAR PLAYER: Darling Downs Panthers 2018 MVP Kiarah Woodbridge (right) will be part of club's regional tour. Picture: Kevin Farmer

NETBALL: The Darling Downs Panthers will "go west” this month in a bid to strengthen regional netball.

Visiting five western Queensland towns, the Panthers are keen to help young players and officials develop their skills.

Panthers head coach Bec Stower said she had always been passionate about supporting and developing regional netball.

"Giving back to the netball community has always been a focus of mine - particularly during my time with the Panthers,” Stower said. "We (the Panthers) want to show young players the pathways available.

"We understand not every player will go on to be Firebird; many might not even become Panthers players.

"But if we can help them enjoy their netball and stay in the game for a little why longer at a critical time in their lives that's a win.”

Stower said the clinics would focus on developing the basics.

"The goal is to support young players, to help strengthen and develop the basic skills they need to enjoy netball,” she said.

"We like to see it trickle over into school netball as well - we've certainly seen that side of the sport strengthen in the last few years.

"It's not just about the players though; we will be helping officials and umpires. The goal is to strengthen netball as a whole in these regions.”

The Panthers' tour will culminate with a first-ever regional trial.

"Our Darling Downs Panthers Regional Cubs Country Trials will be held in Roma for the first time ever,” Stower said. "Normally they're held in Toowoomba but we've decided to hold them in Roma to give more players access the opportunity to trial.”

KEY DATES: January 16: Dalby 10am-1pm. Chinchilla 3pm-6pm. January 17: Charleville 3-6pm. January 18: Cunamulla 3-6pm. January 19: St George 3-5pm. January 20: Darling Downs Panthers Regional Cubs Country Trials, 3-5pm

SIGN UP: To get involved in the clinics go to the Darling Downs Netball Region Facebook page.

Originally published as Panthers head west to grow game