Team Culture and Leadership Key for NCZ U23

Team Culture and Leadership Key for NCZ U23

6 July 2015

Team culture and leadership will be key to assisting the Netball Central Zone U23 team during this week’s New Zealand Age Grade Championship, being held at Auckland’s Trust Arena.

Head Coach Yvette McCausland-Durie and Assistant Coach Lana McCarthy have selected shooter Renee Matoe to lead the team, which includes two 2015 Mojo Pulse players, Whitney Souness and Jess Bourke.

“Our team culture is a strong point and will help us in times of challenge,” explained McCausland-Durie. “Renee will be key as our captain and as a shooter.”

This year the team has been able to spend more time together, taking part in two practice tournaments against the other zones.

“We’ve had an adequate number of practices mixed with two practice tournaments and valuable match play opportunities and I’m pleased with the development during this period overall.

“We have been able to test combinations and provide all players with learning opportunities,” said McCausland-Durie.

“The team enter the competition with the intent of performing well enough to contest the final. We must focus on creating enough turnover ball against strong opponents with equally accurate shooting options.”

Netball Central Zone continues to place an emphasis on developing its emerging young players to play for the Pulse. The U23 competition provides an opportunity for players to compete at the elite level.

“I am excited that this experience provides a platform for our Central Zone players to really test themselves against quality ANZ opponents,” added McCausland-Durie.

The New Zealand Age Grade Championship takes place at Auckland’s Trust Arena from today until Thursday 9 July. The Central Zone team open their campaign when they face South Zone at 11.30am this morning.

NCZ U23 Team

Shooters: Kirsten Craig, Talia Hullena, Renee Matoe (Captain)

Middies: Sheridan Bignall, Alexandra Dunn, Crystal Lawrence, Whitney Souness, Renee Te Riini

Defence: Jess Bourke, Karin Burger, Rhiarna Ferris, Brooke Watt

ends

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