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NZU21s

NZU21s

The build towards the 2021 Netball World Youth Cup began in earnest with the naming of a well-credentialled 21-strong NZU21 squad in September.

Highlighting their depth of talent, the squad includes players who are currently in the Silver Ferns or Silver Ferns Development squads and a number who played in the 2020 ANZ Premiership.

The NZU21s were put through their paces when joining the Silver Ferns Squad and NZA players at training camps, before a 12-strong team was chosen for the Cadbury Netball Series which included all three teams, as well as the NZ Men. With the cream of New Zealand’s Netball talent on hand during the Cadbury Netball Series, the youngest representatives in the form of the NZU21s excelled when given the opportunity to test their ability at a senior level.

Being exposed to this level of competition, along with their participation in the ANZ Premiership and National Netball League, has driven a higher level of performance and with it intense rivalry to be part of the 2021 Netball World Youth Cup. Squad members not selected for the Cadbury Netball Series remain in contention, some having a chance to play England ahead of the series against the Silver Ferns in October.

With the Netball World Youth Cup set to be played in December 2021, there will be a number of opportunities for all players to press their claims over the coming months.

Tania Dalton Foundation

Four Netballers were named in the 2020 Tania Dalton Foundation Scholarship Programme, which is aimed at inspiring young people to be the best they can be through sport.

In memory of Silver Fern #113, Tania Dalton, Netballers Ivari Christie (Morrinsville), Khiarna Williams (Whakatāne), Fiapalagi Lai Kong (Christchurch) and Parris Mason (Taranaki) were included in the third intake of deserving recipients for the Scholarship Programme.

The Foundation was launched in 2017 after the tragic death of Tania, to honour her passion for supporting young women in sport by co-ordinating a range of programmes aimed at making a positive and measurable impact.

Founder Duane Dalton, Tania’s husband, has been the key driver behind the programme which supports talented young sportswomen from differing circumstances and backgrounds, who will benefit from the unique and valuable support the Foundation can provide.

“We’re in our third year now, with the 2018 Scholarship recipients in their final year of the programme. I am proud, as would Tania be, of the impact these girls are having in their respective sports and communities,” he said.

The programme provides opportunities for girls to connect with like-minded athletes and with experienced mentors. The support from these mentors, scholarship funders and the community is testament to the unique person Tania was and the contribution she made across a variety of sports.

“Following Tania’s footsteps, we’re encouraging these girls to see themselves as future role models and leaders within their communities, finding ways to work alongside and inspire them to realise their ultimate dreams,” Duane said.

“And we’re looking forward to helping our 2020 Scholarship recipients achieve success just as we have in previous years.”

There’s a huge engine of support behind the Foundation, including some of Tania’s closest friends and former team-mates. Her daughter, Tayla Dalton, has also played an influential advisory role.

...supporting young women in sport by co-ordinating a range of programmes aimed at making a positive and measurable impact.” Scholarship Recipients Class of 2020:

K’Lee Begbie (Rugby) Putāruru Ivari Christie (Netball) Morrinsville Fiapalagi Lai Kong (Netball) Christchurch Terri MacDonald (Water Polo) Hamilton Patricia Maliepo (Rugby) Panmure, Auckland Parris Mason (Netball) Inglewood, Taranaki Mile Naime (Athletics) Manurewa, Auckland Alana Paewai (Basketball) Hamilton Tara Turner (Touch Rugby) Whangārei Maama Vaipalu (Volleyball) Papatoetoe, Auckland Kenya Watene (Rugby) Kaitāia Khiarna Williams (Netball) Whakatāne