Pare-Plim calling for college players

For the first time in its 45-year history, Paremata Plimmerton Netball Club is offering collegiate teams.

‘‘ While we have always welcomed school girls trialling and playing in our premier teams, this will be the first time we have had collegiate teams,’’ said club captain Chantalle Corbett.

The demand for clubs to provide school girls the opportunity to play together rather than in an adult or premier grade is increasing, she said. The area has a huge number of families with girls attending city schools but, for a variety of reasons, the commitment to training and playing in the Wellington competition is difficult, she said.

‘‘With most of the netball now played at the ASB Arena in Kilbirnie, well that’s a 40-minute trip from here.’’ Corbett said the impetus behind the idea was an approach from several parents from St Mary’s College in Thorndon. The college had 10 teams in last year’s Kapi-Mana collegiate competition but has decided not to enter any for 2013.

Parent Su Davies said she understood there was a lack of personnel at the school to support the Kapi-Mana teams.

‘‘So while we are all very disappointed, our motivation is to look for other opportunities to keep the girls playing netball. We had over 60 girls registered to play in the Kapi-Mana competition. I used to play for Pare-Plim so that’s where I thought I’d try. So far, things are looking good.’’

Davies said there will be the same level of commitment needed of parents if their girls were playing at school. Teams will need parent support through coaching or managing.

Paremata Plimmerton Netball Club’s Collegiate Trials are scheduled for 10am this Sunday, March 10, Paremata School. Trials are open to all girls attending college. To register visit ppnc.co.nz.