AIMS Games Netball: Girls break new ground

The Reporoa netballers have loved their time at the AIMS Games. Photo / John Borren

For some of the excited netballers from Reporoa College, their trip to the AIMS Games is the first time they have travelled out of Reporoa.

It makes the whole experience seem that much sweeter for the enthusiastic group who are under the care of coach Luana Axtens. She is the proud mum of Steamers No8 Carl Axtens and the Reporoa netballers all watched him play last night against Southland at Baypark.

Luana says although she does not have a daughter in the team, she wanted to help out the school by coaching the netball team.

"Out at Reporoa we have only got a few girls as we are a small school so it is pretty tough on Saturday netball. I wanted the girls to be a part of this tournament and to experience it because we were part of the inaugural AIMS Games when the boys played basketball.

"The parents all jumped on board and we fundraised. A lot of these girls have probably never been out of Reporoa so it is quite a special thing to be able to bring our team to this tournament," she said.

"It has been a bit daunting for them. Our first game was up against Heaton Intermediate (Christchurch) and our little girls were like 'oh my gosh, are they the same age?' They were just in awe because they only see what we see at Reporoa. It is just about the experience and being part of a team.

"I have to pass credit to Vicky (Semple) and her team for the fantastic organisation. It takes time and effort and volunteers. We are just really thankful that we can have an event like this for our intermediate kids. It is just fantastic."