The Mandurah Netball Association’s (MNA) aspiring youngsters got some elite level mentoring from West Coast Fever captain Courtney Bruce through a set of clinics at the Thomson Street courts on Wednesday morning.
Fresh off leading the Fever through their most successful Suncorp Super Netball season ever, Bruce was on deck to show Mandurah’s next generation of stars how to improve their skills while parting some of her professional knowledge on the youngsters.
Children aged 8-12 were put through their paces in several different drills on the day, as 40 attended the clinic which will put funds back into MNA’s development program.
Bruce led the Fever to their first ever grand final berth in the 2018 season, with the success of the side helping spark more netball participation across WA.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper said she it was crucial to give back to grassroots programs like Mandurah’s, which would in turn develop the next generation of Fever stars.
“Coming down and doing clinics like this is huge – you can tell the kids really love it and it goes such a long way in keeping the sport’s participation numbers up,” she said.
“I think [the Fever’s] success this year has really helped put netball back on the map in WA so to be able to come down and spend the day encouraging these kids is a big thing.
“Mandurah’s produced some really high level talent in the past so hopefully these kids might be able to follow in the footsteps of some of those players.
“Really it’s just great to be out here with these associations and clubs, getting involved and helping them progress as netballers.”
Mandurah Netball Association president Jo Fitzpatrick said clinics such as this one were vital in keeping young players in the sport, while fueling the grassroots talent programs.
“To have such a star player like Courtney come down and spend some time with our younger players is such a privilege for us,” she said.
“What these sorts of clinics do is really keep kids in love with netball, and it really offers them some encouragement to stay in the sport.
“It’s a really exciting day for us.”
Mandurah Catholic College students pitched in on the day, while Bruce took time after the clinic to field questions and take photos with the young fans.
For more information on the clinic or to find out more about the MNA visit mandurahnetballassociation.wa.netball.com.au
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
