The bumps, bruises, aches and sprains that come with playing top-level secondary school netball are now sorted for Avondale College's Premier Netball team, thanks to the donation of a well-equipped physio kit from local company World Moving & Storage. One of the owners - Bruce Reid - is as passionate about the community as he is about his business, and as a former netball umpire, coach and Kaipara Netball Centre president, he jumped at the chance to help!
Coached by former New Zealand netballer (and Avondale College alumna) Rachel Rasmussen, the College's top netball team has had a stellar season, winning two Auckland Premier league netball competitions and gaining entry into the upcoming National tournament in October.
The Avcol girls beat Mt Albert Grammar School in the final of the Premier West Auckland Secondary Schools netball competition in August. The next evening they went on to collect their second title, scoring in the final second to beat Saint Kentigern College in the Auckland Lucca Trailers Secondary School Premier Competition, 35-34!
Having secured a place in the Upper North Island Secondary Schools (UNISS) tournament in September, the girls continued to show winning form, reflecting a season that was full of dedication, resilience and heart. They placed 4th out of 128 teams - a significant achievement - which also meant they qualified for the FujiFilm New Zealand Secondary Schools National Netball Championships, in Porirua in October.
The donation of the Physio Kit by World Moving in time for the UNISS competition was a timely and practical help, says captain Kaia Samuel.
"We all used it," she says. "From strapping tape to ice packs, it was awesome to know whatever we needed was right there."
The bag will be travelling with the girls to Porirua in October where they will take on the top teams in New Zealand. We wish them all the very best!
