The National Under-21 netball team are one of seven groups taking part in the 2012 Barbados Workers’ Union Netball Competition which got under way last Sunday evening at the Netball Stadium.
Players in the squad are getting some much needed match play to show their skills to the selectors who will choose the final team for the World Youth Netball Championships in Scotland next year.
The team are in the top flight, the Sir Roy Trotman Zone, along with A&A Connections, defending champions Brittons Hill Combined, Fusion NC, Korrec Auto Ballers, Police Girls Club, Remii Ballers and Wolverines.
The Under-21s are already starting with trophies for the Best Team on Parade and Best Display Banner.
Also competing for the first time this year are teams from the Barbados Youth Service, Market “Eva Fresh” Hill Ballers, Royal Barbados Police Force, Diamondshire, Faith Emmanuel Pentecostal and Potential Ballers.
Overall, 35 teams are competing this year, the most for some time, forcing organizers to separate the Linda Brooks Zone into “A” and “B” sections and to create a fourth zone, the Gabby Scott Zone.
There are seven teams competing in the Ulric Sealy Zone.
Both general secretary Sir Roy and senior assistant general secretary Orlando “Gabby” Scott spoke about the conflict resolution and communication workshops hosted by the BWU in the wake of last year’s fight which marred the tournament.
Sir Roy said the BWU would continue to work with the Barbados Netball Association (BNA) to help players solve conflict both on and off the field.
Minister of Sports Stephen Lashley lauded the BWU for continuing to provide positive outlets for Barbadians through such competitions, while BNA president Juanita Cordle reported on the good news in netball which began with the Under-16 team winning the Jean Pierre Tournament to the senior team’s second placed finish at the Americas tournament in July. (SAT)
