The biggest benefit of being part of the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy (QFFA) for up-and-coming talent Zali Walker? Simply being seen.
Based in Innisfail, almost 100kms south of Cairns, Zali had never really considered what her netball future might be until she was selected in the QFFA’s inaugural regional intake in 2024.
Fast forward 18 months and the Year 12 student is in no doubt of the opportunities that have been opened to her as part of the program.
“Being regional, I saw it always like, ‘oh, I don't really have a chance at anything, you know, Queensland-wise’,” Zali said.
“But now that I've made this, I feel like I've got just a bigger opportunity to get selected for Queensland and stuff like that.
“Rose (NQ Head of Talent and Development Roselee Jencke) comes and watches us and just the programming stuff is there to develop you for Queensland.
“So I feel like I do have a bigger shot making it now.”
Confident that the training and education as part of the QFFA program has made her a stronger and better netballer, Zali is now a part of the inaugural Far North Flames team that competed in the Ruby North competition.
And while she’s a massive fan of having a high-level competition in regional Queensland giving even more opportunity to regional athletes – it’s again just whetted Zali’s appetite for what might lie ahead in her netball journey.
“I would like to - if I do move to Brisbane - hopefully try out for a HART Premier Netball League Ruby or Sapphire team because I feel like now I've gained confidence after I was selected for QFFA,” she said.
“Before, I wasn't a very confident player. I didn't have much confidence in myself on the court.
“But then when I got picked I obviously thought I must be playing well for Rose to recognise me on the court.”
With so much opportunity in the Queensland pathway system now on offer however, Zali knows any decision on where her next steps lie is very much in her own hands.
“I personally want to go to Brisbane, but I'm just not sure how soon after I finish school,” she said.
“I might have to have a gap year before I move, just to see what happens with netball and stuff like that.
“But it's good though, because if I don't want to (move straightaway), I can still do Ruby North. There's still something here for us.”
