Netball Northern Territory are excited to announce the two head coaches and three assistant coaches that will lead the 17U and 19U teams at the 2024 National Netball Championships.
The National Netball Championships provide an important opportunity for developing athletes, coaches, umpires, and officials to challenge themselves and grow within the national pathway. Since its inception in 1985, this event has been the first major stepping stone for most of the Origin Australian Diamonds and current high-performance coaches and umpires. The 39th edition of the Championship will see two teams from each state and territory compete across six days with a 17U and 19U champion to be crowned at the conclusion of the event.
A seasoned coach with more than 15 years experience, Darwin Netball Association's (DNA) Sharon Freeman will lead the 17U team with Palmerston Netball Association's Neil Forsyth as her assistant coach.
Of these appointments, Northern Territory Pathways Manager Pam Franklin said:
"We're really excited to have the expertise of Sharon leading the 17U side. Her experience will serve as an asset for the players in this high performance setting. Neil has done a lot of fabulous work with developing players in Palmerston and it's excellent to see him putting himself forward and stepping into the assistant coach position to support Sharon".
DNA's Chelsea Coleman will take the reins for the 19U team, with Chloe Southam and Nat Collins as her assistant coaches.
Franklin congratulated all three coaches:
"Chelsea has completed a couple of nationals campaigns with the Territory's 17U team and we're delighted to see her progress through the coaching pathway and jump into the role of Head Coach for the 19U team this year. Chelsea will be supported by Chloe, a passionate Alice Springs Netball Association coach who has been working in our Academy programs and assisted with the 19U team this year, along with Nat, former 17U 19U pathways athlete who we're excited to see transition over to the coaching pathway".
"We are confident in the knowledge and skills of our coaching team and look forward to seeing them successfully develop our athletes for the 2024 nationals competition".
17U State Team
Head Coach - Sharon Freeman (Darwin Netball Association)
Assistant Coach - Neil Forsyth (Palmerston Netball Association)
19U State Team
Head Coach - Chelsea Coleman (Darwin Netball Association)
Assistant Coach - Chloe Southam (Alice Springs Netball Association)
Assistant Coach - Nat Collins (Former NT 17U & 19U player)
