Netball Mum Report: MY PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Chantelle had her very first netball game last Saturday.  She's been asking us if she could play sports since she was in kindy.  But we always pushed it back as we didnt want to commit only to disappoint her if we cant make it to training or games.  Extra-curricular activities is a BIG commitment, especially sports.  Training is held on a weekday and games on weekend mornings.  Not to mention, she already has keyboard lessons once a week (since Kindy) after school and Angelo and her have Kumon twice a week on school days.

When she turned Year 3, we thought it was about time that we put her into sports.  Netball was advertised on the school newsletter so we thought this sport was best for her.  It's the girls' version of basketball minus the hard fouls.  Im such a protective mother that I worry about them getting hurt.  That's why there is no way they were going to play footy even if they let girls play!  I dont think I can bear seeing them get tackled!

The problem though is I have no idea how netball is played, neither does Darrell.  All I know is that you dont dribble the ball and the rings dont have backboards.  I know my basketball rules by heart, Ive been watching it since Grade 5!  But netball, NO IDEA!  Chantelle attended her first training but it was cut-short due to bad weather.  Then it was called off for 3 wks due to rain and during the school holidays.  Two Saturdays ago, we got a phone call from her coach at 8am to say that they will have friendly match.  I was thinking GREAT!  How could she possibly play when she doesnt have any idea of the rules.  During the friendly match, she was briefed by the coach on what she was supposed to do and during the game, the other netball mums were coaching her (and the other kids) from the sidelines.  She played GS and scored a goal.  Yey!

Then last Saturday, they had the very first game of the tournament.... her very first REAL netball game...  we were all very nervous.  I even had to get a crash course on the rules from my workmate who plays netball!!  I googled to find out more about the rules and how netball is played!  We got to the courts, full cheering squad in tow - me, Darrell, Angelo, Elijah-our godson & Chantelle's best friend, my brother-in-law and my parents-in-law!!  I think I must have been more nervous that she was!  

She played Center (note: point guard in basketball) throughout the match.  She did everything she could.  She guarded the other C so well she was stuck to her like glue.  She was running all over the court, going for every loose ball!  She even had a steal which was converted to a goal!  The whole match the whole family was cheering like it was the finals!  Starlights won 20-nil!!!   After the match, the coach gathered them around, saying that they all played well.  She awarded Chantelle the player of the match award!!!  She was buggered after the game but Im sure it was all worth it.  

WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOU BABY!!