Lanarkshire 2011 International Children's Games

Netball world champions back Games

Tuesday 16 February 2010

Australia's national netball team have given their backing to the 2011 Games while hosting a sports clinic for young Lanarkshire netball players.

The reigning world champions lent their support for the Games during a coaching session prior to taking on the Scottish team in a 'glamour' friendly at East Kilbride's Alistair McCoist Complex.

Head coach Norma Plummer said: "Lanarkshire 2011 sounds like a fantastic event for children. In Australia, our sport all starts with children; anything you can deliver at the grassroots level is the making of your sport.

"Holding this sports clinic today will hopefully enable these young players to learn from us and realise the level of dedication required to reach the very top. If young athletes want to do well at Lanarkshire 2011 they need to not only enjoy the Games, but learn at them as well.

"To put it into perspective for them - my players are extremely dedicated, putting in close to 12 months on the road with only eight weeks break. Even then, during that break they only get a few weeks of real rest as they have to keep themselves on form.

"For the young athletes taking part in the Games hard work and dedication is vital to their success. We've been commended on the commitment the team has, the conduct of the players and their level of professionalism.

"You don't make the Australian team lightly - the players put a huge amount of effort into it as they are all professionals in their approach. To stay number one in the world they have to work extremely hard and take it very seriously.

"I'd urge all the young athletes taking part in the Games to take in what the coaches are telling you. Learn every aspect of what they are delivering and add that to your game. It's a great opportunity and I really embrace the fact that Lanarkshire 2011 is giving young athletes that opportunity - an opportunity they can learn from."

And Natalie Von Bertouch, the Australian captain, added: "Today's coaching clinic and even just interacting with the local community will hopefully raise the profile of netball in Lanarkshire. More importantly, it will hopefully help to develop the skills of young Scottish players and show them just what it takes to be up there as number one in the world.

"If the young athletes competing at Lanarkshire 2011 want to reach the top in any sport, they have to realise that as you move up the grades the sacrifices are far greater. At the moment, we train every day and travel extensively. However, it all makes it worthwhile when you step out for your country.

"I think the Lanarkshire 2011 International Children's Games is a fantastic concept to have in place with all the different sports involved. At this age young people are still finding out what sports they really enjoy so having that competition will only develop young people around the world.

"I would stress to all young athletes that they get out there and practice their skills. That's something I really worked on as a young kid out in the backyard - it was practice, practice, practice. Basically, it's all about enjoying what you're doing and really making sure you work on your skills.

"I wish all the Lanarkshire 2011 competitors the best of luck. Enjoy the experience and enjoy playing in the Games."

Up to 1500 competitors aged 12 to 15, along with coaches, administrators and delegates from more than 70 countries will head to Lanarkshire for the International Olympic Committee-recognised event in August 2011.

Lanarkshire 2011 gives the area the opportunity to organise cultural programmes and ensure the Games are a truly community led experience. This vision will give people - young and old - the prospect of becoming part of the biggest international event ever held in Lanarkshire.

Councillor Jim Smith, co-chair of the Lanarkshire 2011 Organising Committee, said: "It was a real boost for our young athletes to train and learn from the world champions. The athletes taking part at Lanarkshire 2011 will all have an abundance of natural ability, but the Australian team's visit makes it clear just how much dedication and sacrifice is required to make it to the very top."

And the organising committee's other co-chair Councillor Michael McCann added: "Although netball isn't one of the sports at Lanarkshire 2011 we will always jump at the chance to help any of our young athletes learn from the best and compete at the highest level. Our athletes at previous ICG competitions have always performed well and this visit will hopefully inspire this group of players to move on to the next level."