Youth Board Purpose

Kia Ora! My name is Sophie Macintyre. I was born and raised in the beautiful Kirikiriroa. I graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching from Waikato Uni in 2023, and have been teaching since. In netball, I have been involved as both a player and a coach over the years; however, my greatest passion lies in umpiring. I currently sit on the Umpire Leadership Team at Hamilton City Netball Centre, a role that has provided me with valuable opportunities for growth and development, and has inspired me to help ensure others have the same access to grow and progress within netball. Netball is more than a sport to me, it is a community of people, many of whom have become my chosen family. I am grateful for the opportunity to Co-Chair the Youth Board, and represent all youth on the NNZ Board

Kia ora! My name is Georgia Soper and I am from Waimate. I am currently studying Sport and Exercise Science and Sport Nutrition at the University of Otago. I am actively involved in netball through working in a centre, playing, coaching, and volunteering. I have a strong passion for supporting the growth of the sport at all levels. Netball has played a significant role in my life, and I am committed to giving back by helping create positive, inclusive, and meaningful experiences for young people within the netball community across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Kia ora! My name is Anika Barham, and while I’m a Hawke's Bay local at heart, I’m currently living in Christchurch while studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing at Lincoln University. Netball has given me so much, including the chance to be a part of the NZSS and NZ Secondary School Māori squad. I love staying involved through playing, coaching and umpiring. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be on the Youth Board and really enjoy giving back to the netball community that has supported me every step of the way!!

Hi! My name is Sophie Matthews, I grew up in the small town of Waimate. I'm currently in my second year at Lincoln University, where I'm studying for a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management. I am a passionate player and coach.

Kia ora, my name is Al and I am from Wellington, but have been living in Auckland for a couple years now! I’m set to graduate with my Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education from the University of Auckland later this year - and hopefully enter the sports sector shortly after! In netball, I’ve played at numerous NZMMNA tournaments for various teams, and have relished the true camaraderie, friendship, and of course the competitiveness that has stemmed from those events. For netball off the court, I’m passionate about increasing inclusivity and maintaining participation in the netball space - which I’m hoping we can continue to build towards on the Youth Board this year!

Hi I’m Lily Shortus and I grew up in Waimate! Currently I am in my second year studying a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University. I have been involved in netball since I was 5 and I am really looking forward to being on the NNZYB to give back to the sport I love and that has helped me grow into the person I am today!!

Fun Fact: I love to bake at any chance I get!

Kia ora koutou, my name is Nate and I was born in mighty Australia (I’ve lived in NZ most of my life though so Silver Ferns > Australian Diamonds) . I’m currently a year 12 student at Glenfield College in Auckland. I have played Netball my whole school life until recently, when I started coaching and joined my local centre youth board, and now the NNZYB.

Fun Fact: I’ve dedicated 65% of my life to drums. This has seen me perform on T.V., meet the prime minister and be awarded a NZQA music scholarship.

Kia Ora! My name is Amber Wellington and I am from the Wairarapa. I am a 2nd year university student studying Law in Wellington. I am a passionate netball player and have previously umpired and coached. I am very grateful to be a voice on our youth board and this will be my 3rd year as a member. 

Fun Fact: I sell and make handmade crochet clothing for Amber’s Wardrobe! 

Kia Ora, my name is Tylah McNeil and I was born and live in Pukekohe, Auckland. I am in my final year of school this year at Mount Albert Grammar School. I play in the premier 1 netball team for my school and also coach junior netball teams. I have played representative netball for Auckland for the past 4 years. I am also very grateful to have been able to attend the National Development Camps in 2025 and 2026. Netball has always been a huge part of my life and no matter where it takes me in the future I want to continue sharing my love and passion for the game through helping increase participation, inclusion and opportunities for players, umpires and coaches to excel and enjoy the game of netball.

Hey ya! I’m Chirlene and I’m originally from South Africa, now living in beautiful Cromwell in the South Island. I go to Cromwell College as a year 13 student and arts prefect. Netball is one of my biggest passions and I’ve been playing since I was 6 years old. I play for Cromwell College senior A and Central Otago u/18 reps as well as coaching an intermediate B team and doing some umpiring here and there.

Fun Fact: I share the same birthday as Karen Burger from Tactix