First Youth Games proved the catalyst for academy

THERE is something unusual going on at Beau Sejour on Monday evenings. On the outside courts, more than 140 girls take part in the Guernsey netball academy.

But what makes it different from other sport development programmes is that the coaches helping out, under the supervision of local netball tsar Gill Queripel, are juniors themselves.

'All the coaches are under 18,' said Queripel.

'It's a way to get juniors interested in coaching.'

One of these is Lisa Martin. The 17-year-old is currently studying childcare at the College of Further Education.

She is the younger sister of North and island footballer Darren and she turns out for Nerine D in the senior leagues.

'I've been coaching for four years now,' she said.

'It's nice to see young girls and boys get interested in netball and that they are here and not at home watching TV. Netball is fun.

'It's a team sport so it's good for socialising.'

Donna Brehaut is also 17 and has been coaching for four years. The Grammar School student is a member of Nerine B and the island squad.

She is not only a coach but also a qualified umpire.

'I've always wanted to work with children,' said Brehaut.

'It's good to put something back into the sport and to pass on experience. I think netball is good for the social side as you get to know lots of people.

'It's also good to get kids into sport and it's great to see them all smiling.'

One of the six to 12-year-old girls who enjoys herself at the academy is Melrose student Miranda Griffin, 11.

'It's really good fun,' she said. 'You get to run around and pass the ball. I've made some friends as well.'

The academy was created on the back of the Youth Games that took place two years ago. The top players from the academy are invited to the PWC School of Excellence on Sundays.

The junior netball leagues are also incorporated into the Monday night sessions. Netball is without doubt one of the sports that is leading the way with regard to development.

'Netball has been really buzzing for a good few years now,' said Queripel.

'The junior side has exploded since the Youth Games. That was the catalyst to get it going.

'It's nice to see the kids out playing instead of sitting at home and vegetating.'

After the success of the men taking up the sport at a senior level, Queripel wants this to spread to the junior game.

'I'd like to see some more boys playing,' she said. 'If girls can play football, why can't boys play netball?'