Regional roots puts new talent on back foot
AS YOUNG netball stars Tianu Ward and Jorja James aspire to their lofty goals, they have been hindered by the resource disparity that comes with their backgrounds and regional addresses.
Both players are at the state titles with the Northern Rays’ under-16 and under-18 squads, an accomplishment which came with the additional cost of travelling to Brisbane.
The pair are of Indigenous heritage, and with the Diamond Spirit program and Sharon Finnan Cup Carnival have had some support to embrace their culture through sport.
But to achieve their dreams of playing elite level netball, an inevitable relocation could ensue to cut the constant travel to and from their homes.
“Because it’s harder for regional teams like Townsville for representative teams to travel, I think there should be more funding,” James said.
“It provides a lot of barriers for players wanting to become professional and improve their netball, (and) I want to keep improving. To have more opportunities and funding to get more representative pathways and more opportunities here would be so beneficial for people in Townsville.”
For Ward, who moved to Townsville from Cairns this year, the prospect of leaving behind her whole family is a challenging situation — particularly given the deep sense of cultural obligation she and her community have.
It is for that reason she says elite junior pathways need to be more accessible in north Queensland, to prevent hopeful professionals from distancing themselves from their loved ones, or abandoning the sport all together.
“In Cairns … I knew everyone. I spent six years in that community, then even having to move to Townsville and a completely new city, new people new coaches (was difficult),” Ward said. “You feel alienated in a way, you don’t know anyone there and I think that’s where it can sometimes get to your head if you don’t have that support to push you along.”