Strengthening Our Game: Umpire Development, National Trials & What’s Next in March

February has been an exciting and productive month for Netball NT, with significant developments across umpire education, team trials, and upcoming community events. From the successful launch of our inaugural Umpire Academy Camp to the selection of our 2025 17U & 19U NT Teams, there has been plenty to celebrate. As we look ahead, we are gearing up for our Tennant Creek program and the much-anticipated Sitzler Indigenous Netball Carnival. Read on for all the latest updates and what’s to come in the world of Netball NT. 

Netball NT Umpire Academy Camp 

Netball NT was proud to host Netball Queensland’s Head Umpire Coach, Marc Henning, for our inaugural Umpire Academy Camp. This program provided an invaluable opportunity for umpires to refine their skills, learn from an expert, and contribute to a high-performance netball environment. 

Marc led a comprehensive development program, covering: 

• Practical on-court technique drills 
• Game management strategies 
• Movement and timing 
• Video analysis and self-reflection 
• Match play umpire coaching 

Umpires also attended a Nutrition for High Performance session with Sports Dietitian Samantha Wright, gaining valuable insights into fueling their bodies for optimal performance. 

A special congratulations to Amy Rodda, who was formally presented with her A badge by Marc Henning following her achievement at ANC 2024. 

The Umpire Academy Camp was scheduled alongside the 17U/19U trials, allowing both programs to benefit from each other’s presence. The efforts of our umpires throughout the weekend contributed to a high-quality match play environment for the athletes, while also providing umpires with valuable real-game experience. 

We extend our appreciation to every umpire who participated, dedicating their time and energy to developing their skills. The commitment shown—both on-court and in video analysis—reflects a deep passion for the game. Umpires play a vital role in our netball community, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth throughout the season. Thank you to everyone involved in making this camp a success. 

National Netball Championships Phase 2 Trials – 17U & 19U Teams 

Netball NT also wrapped up our Phase 2 Trials for our 17U and 19U teams. A huge thank you to the volunteers who made their trial weekend possible—your support is invaluable to the netball community. 

A special acknowledgment to: 

• Our coaches – Rachelle, Sharon, Taylah, and invitee coach Teuila – for delivering a high-quality program for our athletes. 
• Performance Analyst Michael Fogg – for capturing match play footage and providing valuable statistical insights. 
• The 14 opposition players from our women’s and men’s competitions – for their efforts in match play, challenging our athletes to perform at their best. 
• Our host families – for their generosity in welcoming travelling athletes into their homes. 
• Parents – for their unwavering support, both on and off the court. 
• Our partners, including Bridge Toyota, for their role in ensuring the smooth operation of these events. 

The energy, effort, and dedication displayed over the weekend were outstanding—thank you to everyone involved. 

Our 17&U and 19&U Team Announcement 

Following our trials weekend, Netball NT was excited to announce the 2025 17U & 19U NT Teams! Congratulations to the athletes selected to represent the Territory at the National Netball Championships, taking place April 10-16 at Sydney’s Netball Central. 

17U Team: 

• Winnie Evans 
• Anika McGarvie 
• Kaylee Alchin 
• Hayley Robertson 
• Molly Suradi 
• Layla Totham 
• Kaylee King 
• Mia Auricht 
• Hanna Eastick 
• Lily Richards 
• Olivia Chambers 
• Ava Kelly 

19U Team: 

• Charlotte Craig 
• Amber Yeates 
• Savannah Bolt 
• Sonnyanne Raggett 
• Charlotte Hateley 
• Jade Moir 
• Taylah Easton 
• Kaissara Hayes 
• Mackenzie Lynch 
• Grace Kelly 
• Allegra McDonald 
• Tehya Hyssett 

We look forward to seeing these athletes in action as they prepare for the championships. 

What’s Coming Up 

Netball NT is heading to Tennant Creek! 

From Monday, 24 March, to Saturday, 29 March, Netball NT will be delivering an exciting week of netball at the Tennant Creek Netball Courts—and we want you to be part of it! 

What’s on? 

• Coach & Umpire Development Sessions 
• NetSetGO Come & Try Sessions for young players 
• Walking Netball for all ages and abilities 
• Saturday Gala Day – featuring training and round-robin games to help identify and select players for the Indigenous Carnival in May 

We are also looking to take one Open Mixed team and a junior team from Tennant Creek to the annual Indigenous Netball Carnival in Darwin. This is a fantastic opportunity for players, coaches, umpires, and the entire Tennant Creek community to get involved. 

For any questions, please contact Skye King on participation@netballnt.org.au. 

Sitzler Indigenous Carnival 2025 

Time is moving fast, and Netball NT is excited to open team nominations for our Sitzler Indigenous Carnival in the first week of March. The Carnival is a fun way for our families and community from across the NT to connect and enjoy our sport- while showcasing their talents! 

The Territory Netball Stadium will host the 2025 Sitzler Indigenous Netball Carnival, welcoming teams in the 11&U, 13&U, 15&U, 17&U, Women's Open, Mixed, and All Abilities categories to nominate. While the Indigenous Netball Carnival is an opportunity for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to come together, it is also about strengthening relationships. To support this, teams will be permitted to have up to two (2) non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players registered. 

In the spirit of reconciliation and respect, all teams are expected to play within the spirit of the competition. However, if a team from a regional community wishes to nominate and their participation depends on including non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players from their local area, they may apply for dispensation. 

Spotlight: #SaferInternetDay 

At Netball NT, respect is the number one rule—both on and off the court. That’s why we were proud to support #SaferInternetDay, held on 11 February. This global initiative encourages everyone to work together for a safer and more positive online space—not just for one day, but all year round. 

Let’s ensure the internet is a place where kindness, respect, and fairness thrive—just as they do in our sport. 

Find out how you can contribute: eSafety Website. 

This month has showcased the strength of our netball community, from developing umpires and athletes to preparing for future competitions and community engagement initiatives. With upcoming events like our Tennant Creek program and Indigenous Carnival, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our recent successes—we look forward to an exciting season ahead!