On Monday July 15, Kiama MP Gareth Ward met with players, coaches and other members of the Kiama Netball Association (KNA) to congratulate them on their success at the State Championships.

Meeting at the Kiama Netball Courts, Ward spoke with players and coaching staff from the U13’s, who were winners at this year's state championships, and the U12’s, who were runners up, praising Kiama’s sporting ability.

The U13 winners with Gareth Ward

“Kiama is a little town but we continue to punch well above our weight and I'm so proud, and the community is so proud, of what the team has achieved. It's a huge success to be recognised for your accomplishments and your skill at this level,” says Ward.

Both teams believe it was the close-knit culture and their team spirit which got them through the gruelling 19 game weekend and was the secret to their success.

“We were all in a hotel with each other so there was lots of time where we could have fun games and bond with each other. We had breakfast and dinner every morning and night together and got a big bus in from Kiama together,” says Manager of the U12’s team Anne Marie Esler.

U12 runners up with Gareth Ward

“We just had a lot of bonding, so the team spirit between each other meant across the court each girl stood by each other, they did their role and knew their role, it's like nearly a year's preparation and it all pulled off,” says Coach of the U13’s team Dave Whitchurch.

Ward says that he finds so much joy in days like these where he gets to go and congratulate, in person, the people of this community who are doing so well.

“I love saying well done to people who have represented our community well and we as a community can be proud of each and every one of the members of this team,” says Ward.

“And I also want to commend, not just the coaches but also the parents who have supported them through this journey.”

While he was at the Kiama Netball Courts on Monday, Ward also addressed concerns that the club had about the quality of their facilities.

“Having good facilities locally is really important and I know that we need to look at an upgrade of the netball courts here and I’ve been talking to the club about that today and I look forward to supporting them in seeking funds to do that so that we can continue to see a new generation of netballers come along, succeed and continue to blast away the competition into the future,” says Ward.

The Bugle wants to congratulate all players, coaching staff and members of the KNA as well as the parents who made it all happen.