Orange Under 14s Representatives Netball Team visit Anson Street School

When the Orange Under 14s Representative Netball Team was first selected, among other aims, they identified wanting to learn and to have fun. On June 24, they were privileged to have a special opportunity to do just that through a visit to Anson St School.

The visit was mutually beneficial. As Principal Melanie Meers explains, Anson St seeks to build a sense of belonging and social connection for its students. Coach Pam Ryan says the U14s team strives to build a culture of understanding and appreciation for the community the girls represent.

Anson St focusses on four pillars of ‘hope, curiosity, kindness, and gratitude’. The U14s have a team mantra of ‘pace, space, face, grace’. While the first two are netball references to playing their best game, the second two are about their character and values.  So, there is much in common.

The day was actually one of considerable disappointment for the team, with the announcement of the COVID-related postponement of their State Titles, set to take place in Penrith on the weekend. Yet true to their character, they put that aside and happily went about the task at hand.   

On arrival, the girls were warmly welcomed by Stage 4, 5, and 6 students and Emily Callaway (teacher and team manager) and invited to introduce themselves. The Anson St students then asked some great, probing questions, such as what had drawn them to netball, what skills they needed, and what was difficult. The girls needed to be on their game!

It was then outside where the U14s took the students through a ‘Simon Says’ warm up and then played ballgames with them. There were some fabulous passing and catching skills on display. Needless to say, there was also great sportsmanship all around.

In finishing the visit, the Anson St students made a presentation and had some wonderful advice for the girls, urging them to give their best at all times and not give up, even when things get hard. The U14s can undoubtedly carry that advice with them – through their netball and through their lives.

The U14s would like to thank Anson St School for their generosity and kindness in hosting the visit. Here were the U14s aims in action – learning from and with the Anson St students and everyone having fun doing so.