QUEENSLAND Firebirds training partner Charlie Bell has departed the club to take up an opportunity as a replacement player at the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
In September the Firebirds had signed Bell as a training partner for the second straight year but didn’t want to stand in the way of the opportunity that has arisen.
“Charlie is a young talent who has come through Netball Queensland’s pathways,” Firebirds coach Bec Bulley said.
“We were excited to continue her development with us but didn’t want to stand in the way of the chance presented to her.
“A key function of the Netball Queensland pathway is to nurture Queensland athletes through to the elite levels and it is exciting another homegrown talent will be competing in the world’s best netball competition next season.
“We wish Charlie all the best with this great opportunity.”
A 197cm goal shooter who was a member of the victorious ACU Brisbane North Cougars team in this year’s HART Sapphire Series, Bell also played a leading role as the Queensland Sapphires claimed bronze at the Australian Netball Championships.
A former member of the Queensland Fusion, Bell has risen through Netball Queensland’s elite pathway program, earning selection for Australia at Under-19 and Under-21 level.
“Netball Queensland’s pathways and the time I spent with the Firebirds as a training partner has enabled me to be presented with this opportunity,” Bell said.
“Since I’ve been a Firebirds training partner I’ve realised I’m capable of much more than I ever thought.
“The growth I’ve had in the past year with the Firebirds and underneath Liz White at Cougars has really grown me as a person and player and I owe them both so much.
“I also have to thank Katie Walker for my ANC tournament, Megan Anderson for developing me in the Firebirds environment and Tracey Jeanes-Fraser, who introduced me to the Elite Athlete Pathway when I was 16.”
