The current COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed everyone’s lives over the past few months, from workers being laid off, to small (and large) businesses finding it tough to stay open and pull through, to sport being put on hold and widespread changes to how we conduct our lives. Whilst there is a light at the end of the tunnel, no-one is sure when things will be back to “normal”.
Given Government policy and relevant health advice, on the 18th of March the Australian Men’s & Mixed Netball (AMMNA) committee decided to postpone the 2020 national championships for a period of 12 months. (See https://bit.ly/3dagCA3) The competition will still be held in Adelaide, but from Sunday the 4th to the 11th of April 2021.
Photo: Australian Men's & Mixed Netball Association 2020The West Coast Men’s & Mixed Netball Association committee met shortly following this decision and wanted to reward the effort and commitment (financial, physical and mental) to the West Coast Thunder program by offering all 2020 squad staff and athletes a position within the 2021 squad.
We are extremely excited to share with you all that 17 of our 18 staff have recommitted, along with 66 of our 70 athletes. It is great to see such a high percentage of our members returning and looking to continue their development within our West Coast Thunder program and push towards the 2021 National Championships. We consider it a great reflection of the West Coast Thunder program that so many staff and athletes are excited to return for more.
The final spots within our teams will be decided once more is known from AMMNA regarding age exemptions and other related discussion points from postponing nationals. We note that, whilst a high percentage of 2020 athletes returned, there are spots available in each of the West Coast Thunder teams as a maximum of 12 players per team can be sent to Nationals, plus training partners.
Keep an eye on our website & social media pages for future updates around trials!