IIze Gideons, the USA collegiate netball head coach, will share her wealth of expertise with some of the Island’s school students.

Gideons will conduct a hands-on training session at Dellwood Middle School and Whitney Institute tomorrow as part of a joint effort involving Bermuda Netball Association and Netball America Inc to promote the sport in Bermuda.

“The BNA see this as an important initiative to help drive the development and growth of Netball in Bermuda,” Tracey Sharrieff, the BNA president, said.

“Netball is an ideal sport to introduce to teachers and students and it allows students of all different ability levels to be able to play on the same team together.”

Gideons has travelled to Bermuda to conduct an initial four-day course — designed to raise the level of expertise, skills and competence among coaches, umpires and teachers on the Island and throughout the Americas region.

The course will be held at the Bermuda Industrial Union, and Bernard Park courts, from June 12 to 15.

“The BNA hope to grow and continue our partnership with Netball America in support of our programmes for Youth, Coaching, and Umpiring Development,” Sharrieff added. “This will enhance our ability for professionalism and international competition.”

Sonya Ottaway, the president of Netball America, added: “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.”