Forsyth to coach Waikato BoP in National League

Margaret Forsyth has been appointed head coach of the Waikato Bay of Plenty side that will compete in netball’s new National League from next year.

Forsyth will step back from her duties with the Magic, where she has served as assistant coach to Julie Fitzgerald for the past two seasons, given the concurrent nature of the National League and ANZ Championship.

But the former Silver Ferns shooter will continue on at the Magic in a specialist coaching capacity.

The Magic’s coaching team has been boosted with the addition of Silver Ferns skipper Casey Kopua, who recently announced she is expecting her first child next year.

The defender will also work with Fitzgerald in a specialist coaching capacity.

Forsyth said the establishment of the National League is important for the development of netball in NZ.

“There’s plenty of young talent in our zone and I’m looking forward to working with them to develop them not only as players on the court, but off the court too,” she said.

“The demands and rigours of ANZ Championship level netball are a big step up for players under the current pathway, so bridging that gap and helping players be better prepared and ready to progress to the Magic is something I’m really passionate about.”

The new National League also offers a development pathway for coaches, providing opportunities outside the five ANZ Championship positions for top level coaches to manage a team in a league-based campaign.

Netball South have appointed Lauren Piebenga to coach their National League side, while Nic Kelly will lead the Mainland side.

The National League starts in April and the ANZ Championship in March.