Learning alongside new people, reconnecting with friends and taking home ideas to keep improving were highlights for athletes at the Northern Zone Northland Development Day.
The day brought together 42 athletes from across Te Tai Tokerau, creating an opportunity to build their skills and experience a different training environment closer to home. Community coaches were also invited to learn alongside them, with 15 registering for the opportunity.
The weekend began with a Saturday masterclass led by Erikana Pedersen and Katie Te Ao. The session focused on sharpening fundamental skills and helping players learn how to train on their own between team sessions, with practical drills they could take away to keep improving their game.
For one Development Day participant, having the opportunity in Northland made a difference.
“It was really good to learn in a different environment [from] how we normally train and it was really cool that they came up to Northland to do it with us.”
The Northern Zone Development Days bring together young athletes identified throughout the year. The programme includes fundamental movement and netball skills, gameplay and interaction with umpires, alongside opportunities to work with community and performance coaches.
The purpose is to help athletes explore what could come next and build skills that benefit them wherever they play.
“Our job is to work in the development space to further and grow netball and to strengthen their ability to play really well no matter who they play for,” said Mystics Head Coach Tia Winikerei.
For athletes new to the environment, the days offer an introduction to the zone’s development programme and coaches. For those returning, they provide another opportunity to learn and show how they have grown from season to season.
In Northland, connection was a strong theme throughout the feedback. Athletes spoke about meeting new people, enjoying time on court with friends and learning from the different ways others play.
“I enjoyed meeting new people and developing my skills more,” one athlete said.
Another valued working alongside other talented players from the Far North, observing their approaches and finding things to bring into her own game.
The learning also extended beyond the court. Nutrition was a highlight for one participant, while others took away passing tips and ideas they could continue practicing independently.
“I like things to learn that I can take home and learn at home as well,” one participant said.
That practical learning was supported by an encouraging environment. Participants described the coaching as helpful, with one noticing how confidence grew throughout the day.
“Something I liked today was the environment that everybody was brought into,” they said. “I thought it was very positive for everybody to just get out there and their confidence levels just spiked at the end.”
For community coaches, the day also offered opportunities to deepen their learning. One coach said the breadth of content went well beyond their expectations.
“I really enjoyed today because I learned a whole heap of things I didn’t think I was going to even touch on today,” they said.
“My learnings from today greatly exceeded what I thought I’d get out of it.”
The development opportunities continue over the next few weeks, with two more Development Days scheduled for Auckland-based athletes.
