Boost in the search for more Nenas and Donnas

THE Guernsey Netball Association Junior Academy has received a major boost in its aim of finding more Nena Bourgaizes and Donna Brehauts in the island. PricewaterhouseCoopers has given the academy much-needed funding and it will become known as another of the firm's Schools of Excellence. It already supports local cricket and hockey.

The academy has been up and running for 14 years and undoubtedly its greatest achievement was when Bourgaize was selected for the England under-17 squad.

Another product of the academy, Naomi Taylor, also made the last 20 for that age group.

Now with this new backing, more coaches and umpires from the UK will be able to come over and help coach players and instruct young umpires like Brehaut.

The 17-year-old was successful in qualifying as a grade C coach at the age of 14. She is currently studying for her grade B.

'Our biggest challenge stems from the need to get the girls involved in the wider England netball set-up in order for them to develop to their full potential in all avenues of the game.

'This inevitably involves a considerable amount of

training with top-tier coaches,' said the academy's Gill Queripel.

'With the Pricewaterhouse-Coopers funding, this will not only enable us to bring over the coaches to train the girls, but also allow our own coaches to receive training and improve on their teaching skills.'

The backing will provide the girls with top kit and equipment.

The aim of the programme is to improve the skills of the island's most talented young players, umpires and coaches and to work towards gaining success in English national competition.

Throughout the course of the year there will be a series of talent development weekends for the Guernsey netball teams, including their coaching and umpiring staff, for age groups ranging from 12-19.

PwC will also be funding a similar initiative in Jersey, providing a select group of island players with kit, equipment and talent-development weekends.