Ten enthusiastic U13 netball players from Maragon Private School and their two coaches, Charmaine Geyer and Ashleigh Bateman, went to a netball training camp at the University of Potchefstroom.
Marketing Manager of the school Belinda Espag said their team had an opportunity to spend the four days under the supervision of highly acclaimed national netball coach and umpire Dorette Badenhorst.
Espag informed that the girls had extensive training throughout the camp. “They had morning sessions from 8am to 12.30pm , afternoon sessions from 1.30pm to 5pm and the evening sessions were from 7pm till 9pm.”
During those sessions, they played matches against 14 other schools that were also attending the training camp. “As you can see, there was a great deal of netball that was played,” she added.
The two coaches applauded their team for exceptional performance. “The girls participated enthusiastically in all the training sessions and gave 110 percent at all times. Their behaviour was impeccable and their ‘never give up attitude’ was amazing to witness,” explained coach Bateman.
Coach Geyer added, “Even when they were dead on their feet, they excelled at the matches and easily beat their opposition, winning six out of the seven games played.”
As a result of their great spirit, team work and camaraderie they received a Team Spirit Award at the end of the camp.
In conclusion, Bateman and Geyer said it was an incredibly informative and worthwhile four days for the girls and coaches, because they learned a great deal.
The girls who made the team are: Cailin van Tonder, Megan Visagie, Akullo Angura, Jade Maul, Fallyn Lodrich, Jenna Gillingham, Jade Corbett, Amy Visagie, Sasha Kunaka and Nina Saby.