Pupils from 26 primary schools took part in netball festivals as part of the Sure Sports Primary Schools’ Programme.

More than 600 pupils in 46 teams took part in five regional festivals.

Ballacottier Primary beat Buchan Purples in the final, held at St Ninian’s Lower School yesterday.

The Sure Sports Primary Schools’ Programme is run by the Sports Development Unit in partnership with sports’ governing bodies and is generously supported by the telecoms firm.

Pupils participate in inter-school events in six sports: hockey, tag rugby, badminton, netball, kwik cricket and athletics.
The Department of Education and Children’s Strategy for Sport 2014-2024 aims to boost physical activity in young people and encourage them to participate regularly in community sport.

Rachel Andrew, Isle of Man Netball Development Officer, said: ‘It was fantastic to see so many children having fun and enjoying themselves playing netball.

‘The standard of netball played gets better every year, which is a testament to the hard work players and their coaches put in. They should be proud of themselves.

‘For some children, it was their first experience of playing in a netball tournament and it’s hoped it will prove a stepping stone for them to join a junior club, and perhaps, in the future, the Isle of Man Academy teams.’

Rachel thanked the 26 volunteers from Manx Netball Association and Sure Young Leaders’ Programme, also sponsored by the telecoms firm, who helped the Sports Development Unit to run and umpire the events.

Sarah Jarvis, Marketing and PR Manager for Sure Isle of Man, presented the winners with a trophy.

Sarah said: ‘I am always impressed by the outstanding talent on display from the Island’s youngsters. The children have really thrown themselves into their matches with gusto and it’s great to see so many boys playing netball. It can be a fast and furious sport and they certainly enjoyed it.’

- Ends -