Christchurch Netball Centre will be the host for this year's Netball New Zealand Celebration Box Under 18 National Tournament.

The event is in its second year, with the inaugural Under 18 Tournament held in Rotorua last year. The Under 18 event replaced the previous Under 17 and Under 19 events.

The Centre will be represented again by two teams this year. Last year's Under 18 Red team finished in 5th place, while Under 18 Black finished in 14th. 

This year's Red team is again being coached by Andrea Cousins and Helen Belcher. Three players are returning from 2021, some are stepping up from Under 16 representation and others are new to the representative environment. 'There is a good range of experience and six of our players had the additional experience of the Netball New Zealand Development Camp earlier this year', Coach Andrea Cousins said.

There have been two lead up tournaments in preparation for this Tournament. The Red team was unbeaten in the Queen's Birthday Tournament in Christchurch and two weeks ago lost one game at the Dale Wortman Invitational Tournament in Wellington, to Wellington Black. Under 18 Black also lost to Wellington Black, who are last year's Under 18 runners up.

Under 18 Red is in Pool E alongside Tauranga, North Harbour, fellow Mainlanders Te Waipounamu and Wairarapa.

The Under 18 Black team is again coached by Lee McKenzie and the management group includes the experience of Tania Hoffman, who this year was part of The Trident Homes Tactix management team after returning from coaching overseas. While it is mostly a new team with only four members returning from last year's squad, the team is again targeting a top 16 finish. 

McKenzie said a key focus for her team will be the development of her young players for their future playing careers. 'A love of the game is essential to keep them in our sport, whether it is higher honours, club play or social,' she said.

The team is in Pool D with Waitakere 1, close neighbours South Canterbury, Kapi Mana from Wellington and Southland Country, with the aim to finish in the top 2 after pool play.

'Being at home is always a bonus, with our families being able to come and support us.' McKenzie said. 'As we get closer to starting the tournament the excitement builds to be able to show Ōtautahi our style of play and how we grow through the tournament.'

The Tournament starts on Monday 18 July and concludes on Thursday 21 July. Results will be available from the Netball New Zealand website.

Image courtesy BR Photos.

Article added: Thursday 07 July 2022