New pathway for South’s top netballers

Thumps are up for the Northern Stars basing their ANZ Premiership netball franchise in South Auckland.

The Mangere-Otahuhu, Manurewa and Howick Pakuranga netball centres are unanimous in their support for the newest franchise in the revamped all New Zealand ANZ championship and can’t wait for it to start.

Mangere-Otahuhu president Cheryl Witana believes its an awesome idea.

‘‘This new pathway is great and gives more opportunities to our players and coaches. Having a franchise team in our backyard will mean more experienced officials around us to hopefully encourage and give some direction to local club coaches and players on how to become good enough to be a part of the franchise.’’

Netball Manurewa president Lillian Cattell is equally excited.

‘‘We’re delighted to have the new franchise based in South Auckland. All initiatives to drive interest in the sport and encourage participation at all levels are to be welcomed.’’

Howick Pakuranga president Robin Garner says Counties Manukau netball fans will be the biggest beneficiaries.

‘‘Having a franchise based in our own backyard is a really good move because travelling to the other side of Auckland to watch and ANZ championship match was never really a option for South Auckland netball supporters.’’

Garner believes local coaches stand to benefit most.

‘‘Coaches are always interested in new drills, exercises and coaching methods. Having the Northern Stars based locally with provide them with valuable access.’’

A former Australian netball coach of the year, Julie Hoornweg will coach the Northern Stars. She will be assisted by former Kiwi Fern Temepara Bailey who played for the Mangere Hawks in the regional premier league this year. The Stars training base with be at High Wire Gymnasium in Papakura. The team has yet to nailed down a playing venue. The Vodafone Events Centre up in Manukau is one option being con- sidered. The other is the yet-to-beopened indoor facility at Bruce Pulman Park. General manager Brian Blake says they’ve had some discussions with Netball New Zealand and that nothing had been finalised.

The new ANZ premiership starts in March.