Netball: Coaching reshuffle sees Forsyth take charge

Casey Kopua will work in a specialist coaching capacity at the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic. Photo / Getty

Margaret Forsyth has been appointed head coach of the Waikato Bay of Plenty side that will compete in the new National League from next year.

The new role sees Forsyth take a step back from her coaching duties with the Magic franchise, where she has served as assistant coach to Julie Fitzgerald for the past two seasons, given the concurrent nature of the National League and ANZ Championship. But the former Silver Ferns' shooter will continue on at the Magic in a specialist coaching capacity.

The Magic's coaching team has been boosted with the addition of Silver Ferns skipper Casey Kopua, who recently announced she is expecting her first child in 2016. The star defender will also work with Fitzgerald in a specialist coaching capacity.

Forsyth said the establishment of the National League is an important step for the development of netball in New Zealand.

"There's plenty of young talent in our zone and I'm looking forward to working with them to develop them not only as players on the court, but off the court too," she said.

"The demands and rigours of ANZ Championship level netball are a big step up for players under the current pathway, so bridging that gap and helping players be better prepared and ready to progress to the Magic is something I'm really passionate about."

The new National League also offers a development pathway for coaches, providing opportunities outside the five ANZ Championship positions for top level coaches to manage a team in a league-based campaign.

Netball South have appointed Lauren Piebenga to coach their National League side, while Nic Kelly will lead the Mainland side.