The Bermuda Netball Association and Netball America have joined forces in an effort to raise the level of expertise, skills and competence among coaches, umpires and teachers on the Island, and throughout the Americas region.

Ilze Gideons, the USA Collegiate Netball head coach, will travel to Bermuda this month to conduct an initial four-day course at the Bermuda Industrial Union, and Bernard Park courts, from June 12 to 15.

Gideons is a graduate of the Stellenbosch Netball Institute in South Africa, where she studied sport, marketing management and nutrition.

Her coaching experience includes leading Team USA Netball to victory in the inaugural World University Championships in 2012 as well as working with top international players and coaches, including Jill McIntosh, the Jamaica technical director and former Australia coach.

The initiative was organised by Danielle Raynor, the BNA’s second vice-president, who, when she casts aside her administrative duties, doubles as the goal shooter for Young Men’s Social Club Lady Bluebirds and Bermuda.

“I am excited that Danielle organised to have Netball America present to the coaches, umpires, school teachers and students across Bermuda,” Tracey Sharrieff, the BNA president, said. “The BNA see this as an important initiative to help drive the development and growth of netball in Bermuda.

“The schools are our focus of attention for early development, thus Netball America will be visiting two schools during their stay, to facilitate a hands-on netball training session with the students. Netball is an ideal sport to introduce to teachers and students, and it allows students of all different ability levels to play on the same team together.

“The BNA hope to grow and continue our partnership with Netball America in support of our programmes for youth, coaching, and umpiring development. This will enhance our ability for professionalism and international competition.”

Sonya Ottaway, the president of Netball America, says that her association is honoured to work with the BNA to help raise the skill level of local coaches and umpires.

“Netball America had highly successful results in developing the first team of Americans who represented at the World University Netball Championships and at Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy,” Ottaway added. “In addition, our instructors have received world-class training with Coach Across America and the Women’s Sports Foundation, and have delivered the Presidential Active Lifestyle Programme, which is part of the First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ initiative.

“These experiences for our team are priceless and we are looking forward to sharing our knowledge with the Bermuda Netball Association.”