Firebirds stars on FNQ coaching tour Headstart for rising players

l NETBALL

| Isabella Guzman Gonzalez

QUEENSLAND Firebirds captain and vice-captain Kim Ravaillion and Lara Dunkley (right) are touring the Far North this weekend to develop young netballers’ skills and encourage them to strive for a future in elite netball.

As part of their 2023 regional tour, from July 21-23, the Firebirds’ stars will travel to Innisfail (July 21), Mareeba (July 22), and Cairns (July 23) to engage with the netball associations and clubs in the far north region, run two clinics for young netballers, and encourage them through their testimonies.

Wing attack for the Firebirds, Ms Dunkley said they were excited for a weekend with the far north netball community.

“We’re very excited to come up north to Cairns. I’m a big lover of travelling to regional communities because I grew up in regional Victoria and I know how much of a big impact we can make by visiting these local communities,” she said.

“We’ll be doing a meet and greet at the Cairns Netball Association and run two clinics on Sunday.”

The clinics, which are open to all the clubs in the district, will be run at the headquarters of the netball association and are aimed at boys and girls ages 5-17, giving them an opportunity to learn new skills and meet the Firebirds’ players.

“Hopefully, everyone gets an insight into what we do as athletes, but also our stories and how we got to where we are to- day. I love telling mine because growing up in a very small regional town you never think you can make it, so it’s going to be really special,” Ms Dunkley said.

“From the netball side of things, we get them out on court, and we’ll teach them all sorts of skills, attack, defence, and they’ll grow as players on and off the court and hopefully will set some goals to become Firebirds themselves.”

Ms Dunkley said she hoped for as many regional clubs as possible to get involved and feel encouraged by their visit.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, we’re just excited to meet you and we hope you can get something out of the clinic, whether it be a conversation or a skill, we just want to impact players and I can’t wait to meet you.”

Although the Cairns clinic has sold out, Cairns Netball Association (CAN) members can attend the meet and greet from 9.30am-10am on Sunday, July 23. For more information, visit the CNA’s Facebook page.