Stamford and Rutland Junior Netball Club attend the Nations Cup
The Stamford and Rutland Junior Netball Club (SRJNC) marked an extraordinary milestone on Sunday as they proudly assumed the role of mascots for the Netball Nations Cup.
The club's selection by the England Netball Association stood as a testament to its steadfast dedication to nurturing netball talent among children aged 7-11.
An entourage of 25 of SRJNC's youngest members embarked on a remarkable journey to Leeds Arena, where they joined international netball teams, hailing from Uganda, New Zealand, England, and Australia, on court prior to the start of each match.
This was a profound honour for both the players and coaching staff alike.
The day commenced with SRJNC joining the internal netball teams of Uganda and New Zealand for the third and fourth place play-offs.
Following an exhilarating showdown, which saw New Zealand clinch third place, SRJNC's young netballers eagerly awaited the grand finale between England and Australia.
Once again, they joined the teams on court, chatting with the players and waving and smiling to the crowd, representing their club and the East Midlands with pride.
England Roses secured the second-place spot while Australia emerged triumphant as the ultimate victors.
Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of the matches, SRJNC's players soaked in every moment, cheering on their idols, taking part in a ‘Mexican wave’ and leading chants of “Go Roses, Go!”.
The opportunity to capture photos with the players and to collect cherished signatures added an extra layer of excitement to an already unforgettable day.
The selection of SRJNC as mascots under-scored the indispensable role that grassroots clubs play in nurturing a deep-seated love for sport and offering invaluable opportunities for budding athletes to thrive.
Through their unwavering dedication and commitment, SRJNC epitomises the core values of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship that lie at the heart of netball.
The children's participation in this prestigious event not only honoured the club’s unwavering commitment to the sport but also served to inspire a new generation of netball enthusiasts, encouraging them to dream big and reach for the stars.
The club welcomes new members throughout the year. Visit www.srjnc.co.uk for information.