State titles test

Karratha Netball Association players are ready to hit the court next month as they head to Perth to compete in State championships.

Three local teams as well as a masters team have been selected to play at the Fuel to Go and Play Association Championships.

The event gives players and officials the opportunity to come and play together and discover pathways for further development.

Karratha Netball Association championship organiser Natalie Schokker said there was a 13s and under, 15s and under, 21s and under and a masters team travelling.

“Usually we have our North West Championships but they have been cancelled this year so this is the first year we have taken this many teams to Perth to compete,” she said.

“The girls are super excited. They have come from all the different clubs in Karratha so now we have enough time to train them up so they are ready to go.”

Schokker said the championships were a good opportunity for players to be identified.

“It’s good for us, we play locally here and we’ve got such a big competition here but it’s good for the girls to get out and play against city kids.

“There will be other regional kids playing but in terms of the opportunity to be seen elsewhere, it is a good opportunity.

“It will be a massive competition for these girls compared to what we are used to playing and seeing up here.

“There is certainly a lot of players, a lot of teams and a lot of games.”

The 21s-and-under coach Felicity Lampard agreed, saying there would be selectors in Perth.

“Due to COVID, we know this competition will have selectors looking at the girls down in Perth so we look forward to having that opportunity to get the girls looked at for pathways,” she said.

Schokker would like to thank sponsors for making the opportunity possible.