Young netballers learn to fly

Queensland Firebirds pass on knowledge and skills to Darling Downs netballers

ON COURT: Former Queensland Firebirds and Australian Diamonds star Laura Geitz passed on some of her knowledge to young netballers during the Fuel2Fly netball clinic conducted at St Ursula's College earlier this week. Picture: Alyssa Welke

NETBALL: Two netball superstars were courtside passing on their knowledge to the next generation of players earlier this week.

Laura Geitz returned to her old stomping grounds and was accompanied by her now former Queensland Firebirds team-mate Gretel Tippett to put more than 50 girls through their paces during a Fuel2Fly netball clinic.

The recently retired Geitz said she gladly accepted any chance to "the Downs" and she took great joy from the clinics.

"I love coming back to Darling Downs - it's very close to my heart," she said.

"As players we all believe we are forever in debt to what the game gave us so we're happy to give something back.

"It's wonderful that Suncorp is able to provide support for us to conduct these clinics which focus primarily on encouraging young girls to be active and healthy."

Geitz, who hails from Allora, said she and her fellow netballers were also keen to pass on a key message to young netballers across the state.

"We want them (the players) to know there are limitations for regional athletes," she said.

"We see a lot of passion and resilience in the players, and if they work hard the opportunities are there for them."

Queensland Firebirds player Gretel Tippett puts some netballers through their paces during a drill at the Fuel2Fly netball clinic. Picture: Alyssa Welke

Preparing for another year with the Firebirds, Gretel Tippett said the enthusiasm of young players was a great source of motivation for her.

"These clinics are a great source of motivation and passion for me," Tippett said.

"It's all about giving back to the game.

"I love being part of them and jump at any chance to hang out with Geitzy.

"We run them through a bit of a pre-season style session focusing on fundamental skills and encouraging them to believe in themselves."

Originally published as Young netballers learn to fly