USA Netball Launches Youth Initiative in East Texas – Major Milestone
UPDATE: USA Netball has just announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at introducing the sport to East Texas, marking a significant step forward in expanding netball’s reach in the United States. This initiative, driven by local leaders and national team representatives, will kick off with a children’s mini camp and exhibition game in February 2024.
Netball, a sport widely embraced in countries like Australia and England, is relatively unknown in the U.S. However, East Texas is set to become a new hub for the game, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Henryett Porter from Carver CPR in Karnack and former Wiley University basketball player Ashton Demurrell. Demurrell, who played netball in Trinidad and Tobago, is spearheading this initiative to foster youth participation in the sport.
Following discussions with Carver CPR, Radica Wright, president of USA Netball, and vice president Keithan Grayson visited the area to explore opportunities for collaboration. Their visit included meetings with local school district representatives from Karnack and Marshall, where they were impressed by the community’s enthusiasm for sports.
“This community is a fantastic fit for netball,” said Wright. “We were overwhelmed by the hospitality and support from the local schools, which motivated us to organize this event.” The upcoming camp aims to engage local youth, providing them with an introduction to netball’s unique rules and strategies.
Preparations are already underway at Carver CPR, where classrooms will host coaching clinics, and courts are being readied for practice sessions. T-shirts emblazoned with “USA Netball and Carver CPR equals a winning team” have been created to promote the partnership.
The excitement surrounding the camp is palpable, with children eager to learn. Coaches report that many attendees grasped the fundamentals quickly, demonstrating skills reminiscent of basketball, yet unique to netball, such as the absence of dribbling and strict positional play. “It’s incredible to see how quickly the kids are picking this up,” Porter remarked.
Wright emphasized the importance of introducing netball to diverse communities, saying, “Diversity is crucial for our team, and we aim to connect with regions that have not yet experienced the sport.” The USA Netball team includes players from various backgrounds, showcasing the sport’s inclusive nature.
Community members, including city council representatives, are expected to attend the exhibition game, highlighting the local commitment to fostering the sport. Gabby Woods, a national team member, expressed her gratitude for the warm reception, stating, “This region has the loudest and most passionate sports culture we’ve encountered.”
The collaboration between Carver CPR and USA Netball is set to redefine sports in East Texas, with plans to expand facilities and host future tournaments. “We envision this as a hub for netball, similar to how the USA track and field team operates. We want to make Karnack and Marshall synonymous with this sport,” Porter added.
As the countdown to the mini camp begins, the anticipation builds. This initiative not only aims to transform the sports landscape in East Texas but also hopes to inspire a new generation of athletes, making netball an integral part of the local culture. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting development unfolds!
