The final details of the program’s establishment were discussed at Saturday’s historic board meeting in Townsville – the first time the NQ board has met outside south-east Queensland.
Aimed to provide enhanced development opportunities for athletes in regional areas, the ECAP will mirror the successful elite coaching program currently delivered through NQ’s Emerging Athlete Program (EAP).
The ECAP will focus on working closely with small groups of identified athletes, equipping them with the necessary skills and strategies to prepare for successful State Titles campaigns.
By optimising their chances of state selection and subsequent national categorization, this program will be the most effective method through which NQ can increase the likelihood of regional Queensland athletes being represented at Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) level and beyond.
“Reducing the barriers and obstacles regional athletes may face in accessing Netball Queensland’s high-performance pathways is an aim of our Strategic Plan,” NQ Head of Emerging Pathways Roselee Jencke said.
“The ECAP will not only help identify talent in regional Queensland but provide them with the opportunity to access coaching and development opportunities to ensure they can achieve their full potential.
“The board’s support of this initiative signals the importance of a strong pathways system across the state and reflects NQ’s unwavering commitment to genuine development in regional areas.”
The board’s support of the ECAP was one of the significant outcomes resulting from last weekend’s visit to Townsville.
As well as the historic board meeting, members of the board engaged with local and surrounding netball communities in north Queensland – sharing ideas and fostering connections.
Queensland Firebirds star Gretel Bueta also accompanied members of the board to two remarkable events organised by the Townsville City Netball Association (TCNA).
On Saturday, there was a visit to the inaugural TCNA Invitational Carnival, as over 20 teams with players aged 12-14 from various regional Queensland locations competed.
Before returning home, there was also the chance to attend Sunday’s Future Diamonds Carnival with boys and girls aged 7-10 competing across over 30 teams at the event.
