To the young girls, the NSW Swifts' visit to Port Stephens earlier this week was an opportunity to meet their idols but to the team, it was a chance to encourage those girls to stay on their path in the sport.
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Using the Suncorp Super Netball league break for the 2019 World Cup as an opportunity to hit the road, the Sydney-based Swifts visited Port Stephens Monday to Wednesday as part of a state regional development program.
"It's a great opportunity while the World Cup is on to go on a road trip and see the local talent in the regions, meet young girls and share some tips," NSW Swifts head coach Briony Akle said.
"I think it's important for these girls to see their role models in person but it's also important to us to meet the talent on the grassroots level."
The Swifts, hosted by Port Stephens Council, used the getaway as a team bonding exercise but also took part in community clinics, coaching development sessions and an open training session.
The free development clinics booked out almost immediately after news broke that the Swifts would be in town, which Akle said was "amazing".
Video from Monday night's clinic in Raymond Terrace:
On Monday, Port Stephens Netball Association hosted the Swifts in Raymond Terrace for a development clinic.
The Swifts put about 100 girls, from 6 up to 16 year olds, through a series of drills aimed at developing their shooting, attacking and defending skills.
The development session gave the young girls a chance to meet the Swifts team, minus Paige Hadley and Sarah Klau who were selected to represent Australia in the World Cup, shooter Sam Wallace was also absent, and spend quality time with them.
Despite being on crutches with an ACL injury, Swifts captain Maddy Proud helped run some of the drills.
"No matter how long you've been playing at this level for, when you see young girls wearing Swifts uniforms and wanting to have a photo with you it's still a bit of a 'pinch me' moment," Proud said.
"You remember the fact that you were those girls dreaming of one day being at this level. To be idols to these girls is still surreal to us. To be able to come here and put a smile on the girls' faces and encourage them to keep playing netball, to improve their skills, is really exciting for us.
"There's stats that show that a lot of young girls when they turn 13 stop playing sport. If we can play any role in keeping these girls playing netball, or any sport, then we've done our job."
Nelson Bay Netball Association hosted the Swifts at their Tomaree Sports Complex courts for a development clinic and signing session on Tuesday afternoon. Afterwards, the Swifts held at open training session at Tomaree Education Centre.
EARLIER STORY: NSW Swifts to visit Port Stephens in World Cup break
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
