For a second consecutive year, Parkes has been chosen to host the 2017 Netball NSW Schools Cup that takes place this week.
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And Parkes Netball Association vice president Wally Norman couldn’t be happier.
He said it’s a privilege the club has been approached once again to host one of the four central west legs of the annual event.
Coonamble, Dubbo and Bathurst have also been selected to host rounds.
“Some areas only have it for one day, we’ve got it for two days...last year we only had it for one day,” Norman said.
‘”It means that they are very impressed with our amenities and courts to hold it here again.”
The event – held this Wednesday and Thursday, May 24-25 – is expected to attract more than 320 students over the two days.
Thirty two teams have signed up to participate, including nine from Parkes – being Parkes High School, Parkes Public School, Parkes East Public School and the Parkes Christian School.
The Cup is open to students in Years 5 to 10 for both boys and girls, with special gala days for players in Years 3 and 4.
Day one will see the primary schools take to the courts, followed by the high schools on Thursday.
“It’s going to be a fun two days,” said Netball NSW Regional Development and Pathways Unit Manager Mardi Aplin, organiser behind the event.
“We have two divisions – a non-competitive division and a competitive one, so the non-competitive teams don’t focus on keeping score, it’s just to learn.
“The great part about our Cup is it’s open to all schools, they all play together, that’s the benefit.”
Aplin said the numbers are “definitely bigger” this year because they’ve extended the year level to Years 9 and 10.
And she said the response to the Parkes rounds have been fantastic.
“Hence why we went back again,” Aplin said.
“Parkes sits in a great spot, it has great facilities and has what we need, and we have fantastic support from the Parkes Netball Association.”
Norman said Parkes Shire Council has been helping the association out a lot this year by providing portable loos and will have the grounds looking good.
Winners from the local stage will advance to the regional finals in Orange from August 8-9 and winners in the Western finals will head to the state finals in Sydney on September 19-20.
