Sport
Team GB looking for net gains in Israel
Team Maccabi GB will take two Netball squads to compete at next month’s Maccabiah Games in Israel.
June 20, 2017 14:35
Team Maccabi GB will take two Netball squads to compete at next month’s Maccabiah Games in Israel.
June 20, 2017 14:35The Junior squad will be managed by the experienced team of Beverley Jones, Yvonne Roden and Natalie Sawdaye.
Netball chairperson Jones says that the appetite for the sport is bigger than ever. “Trials were held last year and we saw the largest number of applicants that Junior Netball has ever had,” she commented.
“With nearly 55 applications and 34 at trials, the girls we selected are each highly skilled, rising not only to the challenge as individuals but as a united and strong team.”
Head Coach Roden, who has an MBE and is a Netball development coach at England Netball said: “It has been amazing to see the team continually develop through their training sessions and their dedication and care for each other on the court is admirable. It is a true credit to them as individuals.
“The squad have already participated in two highly competitive matches against external teams as part of their development. They play with great pride, passion and determination and have a never give up attitude.”
Asked for her medal targets, she replied: “The gold medal is certainly within their reach and I am so excited to see them compete at the Games. I know they will do Great Britain proud.”
Sawdaye was keen to point out the importance of the trip in general. She said: “The Maccabiah Games not only provides the opportunity for the girls to represent GB on the court and compete in an international games with other Jewish athletes from across the world, but there is also a deeper cultural and educational side which adds to the overall experience of being in Israel.
“I feel proud to be able to share in this experience and watch these girls come together as a team to compete against other Jewish athletes from around the world.”
Jones, who also heads up the Open squad, will be joined by coach Vanessa McErlain-Naylor and will see many of the 2013 team reunite and challenge for a medal.
Jones said: “We are pleased that after a slow start, an Open Netball squad will be participating in the Maccabiah.
“Final trials were held in January where a squad of nine players were selected. They’ve only had six months to prepare for the Games but I am confident we will be able to go out and compete for the medals.”
Vanessa McErlain-Naylor joined the squad in March. She said: “It will be a wonderful experience to be at the Maccabiah and I can’t wait to see the girls perform.”
TEAM MACCABI GB NETBALL SQUADS:
JUNIORS: Natalie Barnett, Shayna Baron Cohen, Sophie Cohen, Ella Davidson, Orli Edwards, Josie Kenton, Chloe Leigh, Natasha Mosheim, Isabelle Murray, Portia Nicholas-Jago, Amelia Rubens, Lucy Summers. Junior Manager: Natalie Sawdaye, Coach: Yvonne Roden
OPEN: Emma Izon, Katie Levy, Nicola Osrin, Hannah Phipson, Jessica Pinnick, Natasha Rabinowitz, Miranda Shemen, Lauren Shiers, Aimee Spurling. Coach: Vanessa McErlain-Naylor
Netball Chair: Beverley Jones
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