The strength of the Darling Downs netball nursery continues to grow with record numbers participating in the region’s ‘Cubs’ program in 2021.
The five-week program brings together the most exciting young talent from across the region, with players aspiring to one day represent the Darling Downs Panthers in the HART Ruby Series competition.
More than 140 netballers travelled from far and wide to participate at the program’s bases in Maranoa, Toowoomba and Goondiwindi, proving their burning passion for the game remains in the wake of a COVID interrupted season in 2020.
Darling Downs Netball Association President, Graeme Thomas, says the growing popularity of the Cubs program is a clear indication of netball’s significance in the region.
“Our primary goal is to provide opportunities and pathways to regional and rural athletes and if you look at the geographical footprint of the Cubs program, you’ll see it’s living proof of this mission,” Thomas said.
“We are reaching children and players that would otherwise sit outside the traditional coverage for this level of coaching and training and it’s so encouraging to see the program grow year in year out.”
“These communities, families and players are our heartland – they are why we exist and why the Cubs program is so vital in reaching our community.”
Having produced former Australian Diamonds and Queensland Firebirds’ Laura Geitz, and Clare Ferguson, former Firebird defender Laura Clemesha and current Firebirds shooter Mia Stower, the Downs region is certainly rich with netball talent.
Netball Queensland’s General Manager – Delivery Network, Melissa Bennett, believes the Cubs program is a shining example of netball’s role in the community.
“Darling Downs Netball Association continue to do such an outstanding job of engaging their broad community and it’s wonderful to see so many young players reap the rewards of active participation in team sport,” Bennett said.
With the Cubs program nearing its halfway point, DDNA are also now preparing for their Darling Downs Panthers Deadly Choices South West Netball Tour, which will take them to Cunnamulla, Quilpie, Charleville and St George.
