Talk Sport: Winning Magic ready for run of home games

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic player Jo Harten chases the ball against the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Photo / NZME.

Kia Magic began their ANZ Championship campaign in Adelaide on Saturday with a nail-biting one goal win over Australian rivals the Thunderbirds.

With four of their next five games at home, it's a great opportunity to go along and support the top-ranked New Zealand team in the championship.

Buy your tickets now for Magic v Swifts on March 9, Magic v Vixens on March 15 at the ASB Arena in Tauranga and Magic v the Mystics at the Rotorua Events Centre on Sunday, April 5.

Come along and support our team, go to the Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty website to secure your tickets now - don't miss out.

The countdown is on and centres, schools, coaches, umpires and players are busy gearing up for the start of 2015 netball season.

Netball centres across the Bay are holding their annual meetings, planning and attracting volunteers to help with the delivery of their programmes and competitions.

The junior netball programme for Years 1 and 2 players was rolled out in netball centres across the Bay in 2014.

This exciting national programme aims to develop fundamental netball skills and a love of the game at an age appropriate level.

Sessions focus on basic netball skills followed by a modified 4 v 4 game. There's a lot more involvement and players get to pass, shoot and play the game from day one.

Feedback from parents and players has been very positive, with even our staunchest traditionalists seeing the benefits of this new programme for our young netballers.

The Years 3 and 4 programme will be introduced this year. Also skill based, the programme introduces a 5 v 5 game to continue to develop an understanding and love of the game.

Comprehensive training and resources are provided for parents, teachers and volunteers to help netball centres in running these programmes.

Contact your local netball centre or school for information on programme and training dates and venues.

Coach and umpire development is a priority for the zone, with a range of courses and workshops available to up-skill and support these essential volunteers.

CoachForce Development Officer Shan Jensen-Loach works with centres in the Bay of Plenty to encourage and support coaches in their roles.

More than 140 workshops have been scheduled across the zone this season, catering for all levels of knowledge and experience. Check out the Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty website for the calendar www.netballwbop.co.nz.

Ruth Stanley is the Community Manager for Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty.