Latest news with #NetballWorldYouthCup
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Walmsley aims for U21, Ferns
Amelia Walmsley of the Silver Ferns in action during the 2023 Constellation Cup series. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES Amelia Walmsley has signalled her intent to represent both the New Zealand under-21 side and the Silver Ferns this season. The six-cap Silver Fern, who could have a big role to play with starting shooter Grace Nweke ineligible, has made herself available for the under-21 squad for the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar in late September. However that means she will be out for the Silver Ferns Taini Jamieson series against South Africa in the same month. The Silver Ferns are set to play the Proteas in Auckland, Napier, and Invercargill from September 21 to 28. Incumbent shooter Maia Wilson could be in line for more game time at the back and some players could be in line for a recall for the series with two main goal shoots out. Walmsley, 21, confirmed her availability for the Constellation Cup series against Australia in October. "This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one I feel truly privileged to be in a position to make," Walmsley said. "I'm confident I can fully commit to both New Zealand under-21 and Silver Ferns campaigns should the opportunity arise." Making herself available for both programmes came down to a desire to test herself in a World Cup environment to set herself up for the future. "Equally important to me is the opportunity to return to the Silver Ferns space after the tournament, if selected. "Wearing the black dress is something I never take for granted. "Ultimately, this decision allows me to gain the best of both worlds." Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua commended Walmsley for her maturity in working through the decision. "We fully support Amelia's decision to make herself available for both teams and have worked closely with her to ensure she has a sustainable plan in place," Taurua said. "What she could gain from the Netball World Youth Cup is invaluable. "We're proud of the way she's approached this decision. "There are no guarantees around selection for either team, but her intent and commitment speak volumes."
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Silver Fern Amelia Walmsley Available For NZU21 And Silver Ferns Selection
Rising Silver Ferns shooter Amelia Walmsley has confirmed her availability for selection for both the NZU21 team for the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 (NWYC2025) in Gibraltar and the Silver Ferns for the Constellation Cup Series against the Australian Diamonds later this year. The NWYC2025 is the pinnacle event for emerging netballers under the age of 21 and will be held at the Tercentenary Sports Hall and Europa Sports Park in Gibraltar 19th – 28th September. Meanwhile, the Constellation Cup – a four-Test series between netball's fiercest rivals – will begin in Australia 17 October before concluding on home soil in Aotearoa New Zealand, 29 October. Walmsley, who made her Silver Ferns debut in September 2023 against England and has six Test caps to her name, said the decision to make herself available for both campaigns was not taken lightly. 'This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one I feel truly privileged to be in a position to make,' said Walmsley. 'I'm grateful to Dame Noeline and Julie for their support, and to the players who openly shared their Netball World Youth Cup experiences, both those who took part and those who didn't. Their insights were valuable in helping me make a decision. 'With a carefully tailored schedule from the Silver Ferns high performance team, I'm confident I can fully commit to both NZU21 and Silver Ferns campaigns should the opportunity arise. 'Making myself available for NZU21 selection came from a desire to experience a Netball World Youth Cup environment and the unique opportunity to represent my age group one final time. I see this as a chance to expand my leadership, challenge myself, and gain exposure to 20 different international styles. It's an opportunity that will help me develop as a person, player, and teammate in any environment. It is also one that prepares me for potential future involvement in World Cups or the Commonwealth Games. 'Equally important to me is the opportunity to return to the Silver Ferns space after the tournament, if selected. Wearing the black dress is something I never take for granted, and I believe that what I could gain in the NZU21 environment would only strengthen what I can offer in the Silver Ferns environment. 'If I get the opportunity to come back and play in the Constellation Cup series, it will give me the chance to continue to grow and learn, further establish myself in this space, and continue to strive towards selection for future campaigns like the Netball World Cup and Commonwealth Games. 'Ultimately, this decision allows me to gain the best of both worlds. A space to grow and compete on the youth international stage, and the opportunity to carry that growth forward to serve the black dress.' Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua commended Walmsley for her maturity in working through the decision and reiterated her support for players gaining meaningful experiences across both programmes. 'We fully support Amelia's decision to make herself available for both teams and have worked closely with her to ensure she has a sustainable plan in place,' said Dame Noeline. 'What she could gain from the Netball World Youth Cup is invaluable – the leadership opportunity, international exposure, and personal growth all contribute to her continued development in our Silver Ferns environment. 'We're proud of the way she's approached this decision and the thought she's put into what's best for her growth as both a player and a person. There are no guarantees around selection for either team, but her intent and commitment speak volumes.' NZU21 head coach Julie Seymour echoed Dame Noeline's sentiments and praised the alignment between the high-performance programmes. 'Having Amelia make herself available for selection is a real positive for the NZU21 group, and it reflects the strength of the collaboration between our high-performance environments,' Seymour said. 'We've worked closely with the Silver Ferns management team to ensure that any player who may be eligible and interested in the Netball World Youth Cup has the right support. Amelia's availability is a credit to that process. If selected, she would bring invaluable experience to the group and gain just as much in return.' The Constellation Cup will begin with two Tests in Australia before returning to New Zealand for the final two matches: Game 1: Diamonds v Silver Ferns – Friday 17 October, John Cain Arena, Melbourne Game 2: Diamonds v Silver Ferns – Wednesday 22 October, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Game 3: Silver Ferns v Diamonds – Sunday 26 October, GLOBOX Arena, Hamilton Game 4: Silver Ferns v Diamonds – Wednesday 29 October, Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch Amelia Walmsley Silver Fern #184 Positions: GS, GA Date of Birth: 31 January 2004 Height: 192cm Test Caps: 6 Debut: 27 September 2023 v England Roses
RNZ News
01-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Pasifika Sipoti for 1 May 2025
Photo: Iliesa Tora/RNZ The Fijiana women's rugby team will play the Wallaroos of Australia in a one-off Test match in Suva on Saturday afternoon. Forwards coach Ifereimi Rawaqa said the match will be a good opportunity for the side to test themselves, as they build up for the Women's Rugby World Cup later this year. Rawaqa acknowledged that the Wallaroos will be tough and more experienced, but he believes the Fijiana will be ready to give their visitors a good challenge. The Test match will kick off at 5pm local time at the National Stadium in Suva. Papua New Guinea's local-based athletics squad members are in Manila to compete in the Philippine Open Championship, as part of their build-up to the Pacific Mini Games. The National newspaper reported 13 athletes will compete at the event. Athletics PNG president Tony Green said the event will offer the team the opportunity to fine-tune their performance ahead of the Games. PNG have other athletes based in Australia and the United Staes of America, preparing for the Games in Palau. Cook Islands' under-21 netball team to the Netball World Youth Cup will include local based players and others from both Australia and New Zealand. Cook Islands News reported a squad of 20 will be confirmed soon to compete for spots in the team that will travel to Gibraltar, for the world meet. Netball Cook Islands president Ngere Puia-Fraser said the team will face the host nation Gibraltar, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Zambia at the September meet. American Samoa and the Cook Islands will play off for the top spot at the Oceania Under-16 Women's Championship qualifying tournament in Rarotonga. A second-half strike from American Samoa's' Salamasina Satele sealed a 1-0 win over PNG on Wednesday. The result means PNG are now out of contention for qualification. The final spot in the OFC Women's U-16 Championships in Samoa will be decided between American Samoa and the Cook Islands on Friday. The under-16 championships are in August.
IOL News
27-04-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Crinums start Telkom Netball League title defence with back-to-back wins
Free State Crinums started the defence of their TNL title with a 58-46 win over the Spar Baby Proteas (in white) at the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday. Image: Netball South Africa Free State Crinums laid down an early marker in the defence of their Telkom Netball League (TNL) title with back-to-back wins as the 2025 season tipped off at Sun City Super Bowl in the North West Province at the weekend. They powered past the Limpopo Baobabs with a 68-34 win on Sunday, after seeing off the Spar Baby Proteas 58-46 in Saturday's opening match. Crinums skipper and Proteas star Refiloe Nketsa has led the charge for the defending champions. Home team the North West Flames also got their campaign off to the perfect start. They stunned the Jaguars, last year's beaten finalists, 60-57 in a nail-biting opening match for the Gauteng giants on Sunday. Goal attack Sunel Smit was named Player of the Match for her fine shooting display as the teams matched each other shot for shot. The Crinums showed their intent to defend their title from the first tipoff and were clinical in execution on attack and in defence against the junior national team on Saturday. They pulled away after a competitive first half to secure a comfortable victory. Crinums coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm said: 'I think it was a good game considering that this game was against the Spar Baby Proteas. They were busy working hard, having lots of camps and we can't go there undermining them.' Meanwhile, the Baby Proteas made a promising start to a tournament they are using as preparation for the Netball World Youth Cup later this year. The Flames had opened their account against the Zambezi Eagles from Zimbabwe, securing a hard-fought 51-46 win on Saturday. Despite the Eagles' relentless efforts, the Flames held their nerve in the dying minutes to clinch the victory.
