Netball Queensland launches the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy (QFFA), a program dedicated to nurturing and supporting emerging talent across Queensland.
With a firm commitment to the development of future netball stars, the QFFA aims to provide a clear pathway for aspiring athletes to achieve their goals of playing in the Super Netball and ultimately, the Australian national team, the Diamonds.
The program will support nationally categorised athletes, including those selected to play in the Queensland 17U and 19U squads at the National Netball Championships and the Firebirds Futures team, competing at the national level in the Australian Netball Championships.
Recognising the importance of nurturing talent in the regions and allowing athletes to develop their skills in their hometowns, the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy will also operate four regional branches in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Rockhampton.
“The establishment of regional branches of the academy will allow us to better service developing athletes across Queensland.” Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy Coach, Jess Whitfort.
The QFFA will also welcome male athletes from the Queensland Suns, as well as aspiring high-level umpires, acknowledging their crucial role in the netball ecosystem.
Comprehensive support is at the core of the program, providing athletes access to expert coaching, strength and conditioning programs, and medical support, ensuring they are physically prepared for elite-level competition.
With, physical readiness just one part of the equation, the academy provides education in crucial areas such as nutrition and mental preparation, recognising that these elements are also vital to an athlete’s success and wellbeing.
The athletes in the program will have regular contact with the Queensland Firebirds staff and players.
“Having access to the Queensland Firebirds players and staff will provide athletes with valuable insights into the world of elite-level netball, so they are ready to transition to the highest levels of the sport when the time comes” Queensland Firebirds Head Coach, Rebecca Bulley said.
“I’m really excited about the establishment of the academy as a direct pathway for athletes into the Queensland Firebirds environment and look forward to keeping a close eye on the development of the players in this program.”
Netball Queensland is excited to announce the athletes selected in the inaugural Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy for 2024:
PLAYER LIST
Ashlee Barnett
Baylee Boyd
Ellie Brice
Rylee Burns
Holly Comyns
Jada Delaney
Olivia Dijkstra
Sasha-May Flegler
Lily Gribble
Gemma Hutchings
Leytton Johnstone (QLD Suns)
Bailey Jordan (QLD Suns)
Jessica Laga’aia
Abigail Latu-Meafou
Jessica Milne
Jayden Molo
Losa Niumata
Lillyana Rennie
Maddison Ridley
Elsa Sif Sandholt
Isabelle Shearer
Kirra Tappenden
Kaylin van Greunen
UMPIRES
Di Fawcett
Claire Kleinschmidt
Jessica Lakeman
James Matthews-Maher
Nicola Stevens
