Pupils from 28 primary schools took part in netball festivals as part of the Sure Sports Primary Schools’ Programme.

More than 600 pupils in 51 teams took part in five regional festivals. The National Final featured teams from Dhoon, Peel Clothworkers, Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, Ballacottier, Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey and Vallajeelt schools with the Buchan School emerging as the undefeated winner.

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 seven sports: hockey, tag rugby, badminton, golf, 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 many 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: ‘It’s always amazing to see how many pupils take part in the tournaments during the year-long Primary Schools Sports Programme. The enthusiasm of the children playing netball is really very infectious and it’s great to see boys as well as girls playing this particular sport.  I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at the participating schools, including the Sure Sports Leaders who coach the children, the staff who support the activities and the parents who turn up to watch come rain or shine! I am sure we have seen some emerging netball talent for the island.”

Photo - The winning team from Buchan primary school.