Stars align

THE Mallee’s best young netball talent is gearing up for the ultimate showdown this weekend when the 2016 Netball Victoria Association Championships arrive in Swan Hill.

The event, now in its 17th year of competition, hands junior netballers across the state the chance to test their ability against some of the best players in their age groups.

Netball Victoria’s north regional development manager Pam Ferrari said Sunday’s event would identify the best up and coming netballers in the state.

“Association camps are one of the main vehicles to talent identify players, there will scouts that work with players and their age groups to find academy players,” she said.

“It is a beginning of the pathway through Victorian netball… this event will give a lot of the outlying associations access to the next level of competition, away from their normal club competitions.

“We will also work with coaches and umpires.”

Netball Victoria will work with coaches to help move them through their development, while also finding the best umpires to move through the ranks.

Swan Hill is expected to be injected with large numbers of players, coaches, managers and family members in an economic boost for the region.

Ferrari said Swan Hill was a perfect fit for such events.

“The players will get a chance to play at higher levels and it is a good chance to showcase the netball facilities in Swan Hill,” she said.

“Then the parents and siblings who are travelling can access what is available in the town too.

“We are looking forward to great weather and a great weekend in the north of the state.”