St Patrick’s Primary of Kingston and St Andrew retained their INSPORTS Primary Schools All-Island Netball title, while St James’ Corinaldi Avenue Primary were crowned football champion on Tuesday.

St Patrick’s defeated Bethabara of Manchester 23-21 in a close encounter played at the Leila Robinson Court at Independence Park, while Corinaldi edged Rosseau Primary, also of Kingston and St Andrew, 6-5 on penalties after battling to a 0-0 draw in regulation and extra time.

Both all-island champions walked away with $200,000 each, as the runners up collected $125,000 each.

Third-place finishers White Horses Primary of St Thomas and Portland’s Port Antonio Primary earned $75,000 for their efforts in the netball and football competitions respectively. White Horses defeated Corinaldi of St James 20-17, and Port Antonio bettered Holland Primary 3-1 on penalties.

The fourth-placed teams received $50,000 each.

Both winning coaches, Lecia Walters of St Patrick’s and Recardo Esmie of Corinaldi were rewarded with $10,000 each.

Shantae Powell of St Patrick’s and Donovan Carey of Corinaldi were the Netball and Football MVPs. This was especially nice for Carey, who suffered a broken leg last year.

While applauding the winners, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, who assisted young Carey last year, revealed an additional incentive.

“It has been a thrilling season with fantastic performances from all of our teams. This is a testament to all the hard work and dedication that has been put in over the season and I am proud to see such wonderful talents on display,” Grange said during the closing ceremony at the National Arena.

“In addition to the prize money, twenty (20) football students (male and female) will be offered the opportunity to attend a one-week football camp to be hosted by the Spanish club OSASUNA from April 8-17 at the Barbican AstroTurf,” she shared.

“This will be an incredible opportunity for our young athletes to hone their skills and learn from some of the best in the business. Furthermore, five primary school coaches will also be offered the chance to attend the camp to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the world of football,” the minister added.

That said, Grange made mention of Jamaica and Chelsea’s rising sensation Dujuan “Whisper” Richards, who was discovered from this same competition.

“A few years back for the 2015/2016 season, we unearthed one Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards of Harbour View Primary, who went on to Kingston College and made a name for himself in the Manning Cup and now, he is at one of the biggest clubs in the world – Chelsea FC,” she noted.

“This is the kind of impact we want coming out of these football and netball competitions. These programmes will enable us to bring to the fore, the best talent in a competitive environment in line with INSPORTS mandate of unearthing talent in every nook and cranny of Jamaica,” Grange explained.

The INSPORTS competitions – arguably the best of their kind anywhere in the region – started in December 2023 with 280 schools involving 4,200 kids in netball and 5,600 in football of which 560 were girls, as each team needed to have 2 girls.

Result

Netball

St Patrick’s Primary 23 vs Bethabara Primary 21

White Horses 20 vs Corinaldi Primary 17

Football

Corinaldi 0 vs Rosseau 0 (Corinaldi won 6-5 on penalties)

Port Antonio 0 vs Holland 0 (Port Antonio won 3-1 on penalties)

In a thrilling showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats, the West Coast Fever defeated the  New South Wales Swifts 52-50 in the opening match of the 2024 Team Girls Cup. With her remarkable accuracy and undeniable skill, Fowler-Nembhard netted an impressive 40 goals from just 43 attempts, to spur the Fever to victory.

Trinidad and Tobago's Samantha Wallace led the charge for the Swifts scoring 17 goals for the losers.

From the first whistle, it was evident that this match would be nothing short of intense. The Swifts and the Fever traded goals relentlessly, each determined to gain an early advantage. But it was the towering presence of Jamaica's own Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard that truly shone in the opening quarter.

As the game progressed into the second quarter, the Fever began to assert their dominance. Led by their captain, Jess Anstiss, and the dynamic duo of Fowler-Nembhard and newcomer Olivia Wilkinson, the Fever surged ahead, much to the delight of their supporters. Despite the Swifts' best efforts to narrow the gap, the Fever maintained their momentum, heading into halftime with a commanding lead of 27-21.

However, the Swifts were not about to go down without a fight. With determination etched on their faces, they launched a fierce comeback in the third quarter, closing the deficit with a flurry of super shots. But the Fever defense, anchored by the likes of Fran Williams and Kadie-Ann Dehaney, stood firm, refusing to buckle under pressure. Meanwhile, Shanice Beckford provided a taste of her lightning-fast reflexes, expertly maneuvering the ball to her teammates and contributing two crucial goals from two attempts.

As the final quarter unfolded, the tension reached its peak. With the score-line neck and neck, every possession became crucial. But it was the Fever who held their nerve when it mattered most. With Alice Teague-Neale orchestrating the midfield and Sunday Aryang showcasing her unwavering determination, the Fever managed to fend off the Swifts' relentless onslaught. And when the final buzzer sounded, it was the Fever who emerged victorious, securing a hard-fought win.

Managing director of the Netball Super League Claire Nelson hopes netball can “capitalise on this moment for women’s sport” as it strives for professionalisation.

England Netball announced last year that the Super League will be relaunched in 2025 with the vision of clubs playing in bigger venues, enhancing live and TV audience experience and providing closer competition.

Professionalisation will also aim to provide “advancements in the elite environment to ensure players can choose and experience rewarding careers in netball”.

Nelson was appointed to her role in April last year having previously worked for Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens and hopes netball can “capitalise” on its moment.

She told the PA news agency: “We have some amazing targets. We talk about our 10-year strategy, but we want to win golds on the world stage at World Cups and we want to build the most competitive, commercially vibrant, captivating league in the world.

“When you look at what we have as foundations, they’re so good and everything we’re doing now is to actually capitalise on this moment for women’s sport, but more importantly for our sport.

“This is a moment for netball, our bounce back post-COVID has seen us absolutely smashing our participation and membership numbers – we’re a big sport.

“We’ve now got this professionalisation opportunity where we can go into bigger arenas and take our sport to more households.”

The Super League is already three games into the 2024 season ahead of next year’s relaunch and Severn Stars and Manchester Thunder are the only unbeaten teams, sitting three points ahead of defending champions Loughborough Lightning.

The sport’s professionalisation ambitions follow in the footsteps of other women’s sports which are continuing to flourish at the highest level and Nelson believes netball is the “biggest untapped opportunity”.

“For me, netball’s the biggest untapped opportunity in women’s sport bar none,” she added.

“We’re in this moment where women’s sport is front and centre, so people are wanting to see, to experience, to consume, to support women’s sport.

“Then what we bring to the table is the opportunity to blank canvas, create this product which actually is an intersect from what happens on a court to what’s happening digitally and how we can become more lifestyle and music and fashion and entertainment, how we can unlock the talent potential in our athletes and tell their stories.”

Domestic professionalisation can only be helped by England’s Vitality Roses, who continue to enjoy success on the international stage.

The Roses earned an historic gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in a dramatic final against Australia and they finished third in the World Cup on home soil in 2019.

More recently, England took silver in their maiden World Cup final appearance in South Africa last year and Nelson believes the Roses are the “pinnacle” of England Netball’s aims.

She said: “This is the beauty of what we do here at England Netball, we’ve got the whole sport, we’ve got international, we’re going to have professional domestic and then we’ve got grassroots and community.

“All of these should be integrated and they should be complementary and that’s what we’re trying to build – this ecosystem of a sport where everyone can enjoy their experience and thrive in it, but the Roses are absolutely the pinnacle.

“I have to get the best performance programme and competition in the Super League because that is going to ensure that we have Roses success on the world stage. Roses success on the world stage makes people want to show up and support.

“It’s all interconnected and it’s all complementary, it makes my job a whole lot easier when we have great performances from these incredible athletes on the world stage.”

It’s down to the top eight in the INSPORTS National Primary Schools’ Netball and Football competitions with four football games set to kick off on Thursday.

Defending all-island netball champion St Patrick’s of Kingston will be joined in the quarterfinal round by Corinaldi (St James), Savanna-La-Mar (Westmoreland), Brompton (St Elizabeth), Bethabara (Manchester), Half-Way-Tree (St Andrew), Lyssons and White Horses (St Thomas).

St Patrick’s brushed aside Golden Grove of St Ann and will meet Brompton Primary, who defeated Flankers of St James. Corinaldi dismissed New Hope of Manchester to book their date with Savanna-La-Mar, who turned back Irwin Primary of St James.

Former champions Bethabara defeated Black River (St Elizabeth) and will meet Half-Way-Tree who defeated Nazareth of Manchester.

The fourth matchup will be an all-St Thomas affair between Lyssons and White Horses. Lysson dismissed Oracabessa of St Mary, while White Horses defeated Pot Maria also of St Mary.

Meanwhile, a new champion will be crowned in the football competition, as last year’s winners Pembroke Hall were eliminated in the first round.

The teams that made the top eight are St Aloysuis and Rosseau (Kingston), Port Antonio and Port Maria (St Mary), Corinaldi (St James), Clarke’s Town (Trelawny), Mandeville Primary (Manchester) and Holland (St Elizabeth).

There will be four games on Thursday, with St Aloysius and Rosseau set to lock horns at Jamaica College field starting at 11:30am, and Mandeville play Holland at STETHS at 10:00am.

At Annotto Bay MPSC field, Port Antonio tackle Port Maria at 11:30am, while Corinaldi and Clarke’s Town will meet at William Knibb High School at 2:00pm.

In the round of 16, Corinaldi turned back Unity (Westmoreland) 3-0 in their second leg encounter, for a 4-0 aggregate scoreline, while Clarke’s Town beat Bethel (Hanover) 3-0 winning 4-2 on aggregate.

Mandeville defeated Brompton (St Elizabeth) 2-0 on aggregate after playing to a 0-0 draw in the first leg, while Holland defeated Ballars Valley (St Elizabeth) 2-0 for a 3-2 aggregate win.

St Aloysius were the most impressive, as they dispatched Denbigh (Clarendon) 3-0 for 6-0 on aggregate scoreline, while Rousseau registered a hard-fought win over Spanish Town on penalties after both legs ended goalless.

Elsewhere, Port Antonio defeated Enfield of St Mary 4-1 in their second-leg meeting, after a goalless stalemate in the first leg, while Port Maria were impressive in destroying Norwich of Portland 5-0, to win 6-0 on aggregate.

The stage is set for some epic encounters. 

Football Games on Thursday

Mandeville Primary vs Holland Primary @ STETHS at 10:00 am

St Aloysius Primary vs Rousseau Primary @ JC at 11:30 am

Port Antonio Primary vs Port Maria Primary @ Annotto Bay MPSC at 11:30 am

Corinaldi Primary vs Clarke’s Town Primary at William Knibb High School @ 2 pm

It has been a challenging couple of years for Samantha Wallace, after a serious injury threatened her career to the point where she was left questioning her future in the sport.

The Trinidad and Tobago native, who represents New South Wales Swifts in the Suncorp Super Netball League, was delivered news that any athlete dreads, especially during the high point of their career.  

“The surgeon said, 'I don't think you'll be returning to netball,'” Wallace revealed.

That news from the surgeon was as a result of a knee injury Wallace picked up in Round one of the 2022 season, when she damaged her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus. At that point, Wallace was the Swifts' leading goal scorer with a tally of 585 goals at 93 per cent accuracy for the 2021 season in which they were crowned champions.

It has now been more than 700 days since Wallace last paraded her skills in a competitive netball game, but that will change when the 2024 season gets under way in April, as the 30-year-old is out to not only prove the surgeon wrong, but more importantly, to defy the odds in a demonstration of stubborn determination and sheer will to succeed.

“It's a bit bittersweet and a bit emotional (being back) and the expectations in my head. Will I be good enough? Will I be the Samantha I used to be? So many fans and young kids are waiting for my return. I'm trying not to put all that expectation on myself,” Wallace said.

"[But] I'm finally back on court, I just want to take each day one step at a time and try not to think about the outcome, but the process," she added.

Reflecting on her journey back from the proverbial wilderness, Wallace pointed out that it was during the latter stages of recovery that she was hit hardest, both mentally and physically.

“I thought I would've been back last year. After my surgery, I was doing well, but then I was told I needed a clean out.  I didn't understand why because I thought I was doing really well in my recovery. The swelling was still there but I was able to squat, and I was walking okay, but after I did my clean out that October or November, I went backwards," Wallace shared.

Motivated by her faith, with support from her family, friends, teammates, and her own desire not to end her career in that manner, Wallace kept going.  

"I felt like giving up. I felt like I can't keep going through this, especially after my first year of rehab and the initial thought of coming back the next year and then having that taken away,” she said. 

“That was my breaking point, the first year of rehab was fine. I just had to deal with it, that happens, it's sport but the second year of rehab, I was like holy moly. I'm ready to quit. I wasn't seeing any progress in the gym, no matter how many leg extensions, presses and squats I did, there was no results until I got a cortisone injection. That's when my knee started settling, the swelling disappeared and I was starting to see muscle build in my leg,” Wallace recollected. 

The only silver lining to the injury was that it allowed Wallace time to reconsider goals and targets that she has outside of netball, one being to branch off into early childhood education.

"The injury was bad, but it actually made me sit for once, reflecting on my life as an individual and what I want to do after netball. I love kids, I'm always with someone's kid after games. I don't know whose kid it is; I just end up with some random baby girl,” she said.

Though she missed out on representing Trinidad and Tobago at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and the Netball World Cup, Wallace has no regrets about taking the time to ensure a proper recovery for a Suncorp Super Netball return.

In fact, she is now eager to get back in action and reunite with teammates on court, especially after watching her Briony Akle-coached Swifts fall just short of last year’s premiership.

“It's heartbreaking. Romelda [Aiken-George] came in and did an awesome job and she was shocked because when Briony gave her the call she wasn't expecting to be full-time.

“What I love and appreciate about her [Aiken-George] is she checked in to see if I was okay with her replacing me and I was like ‘Hell yes! You are a legend, you've been in this game for so long no one else can replace me,” she added.

"Playing with these girls means so much because these girls rally around me,” Wallace ended.

 

Shanice Beckford knew adjusting to life in Australia would take some doing, but knowing the opportunity that was there to be grasped, she did not hesitate to make the move when West Coast Fever called.

Just as Beckford expected, the first two weeks in Perth took its toll, but she is just about getting ready to turn the proverbial corner ahead of what she hopes will be a very successful debut stint in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League.

“The first two weeks were difficult for me, but I must say it has been quite fun. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on family-oriented activities. I'm really loving the environment so far. Despite some initial struggles with my sleeping patterns, I'm gradually settling in. Overall, everything is going pretty well and I'm feeling quite content with my decision to join this club,” Beckford told SportsMax.TV.

To her credit, Beckford adapted quite quickly and judging by her bubbly and energetic movements in training so far, the talented goal-attack is merely just getting started where taking on a significant workload and displaying her usual craftiness on court is concerned as she fits into the new environment.

“I am learning to be patient with myself and to trust my coaches, teammates, and the process as I gradually work my way into the team. I am taking my time to improve and find my place in the different combinations,” Beckford shared.

“Although, I am still adjusting to the time zone, when it comes to training, it's a whole different ball game. Moreover, it's been good as I have enough time to recover, and I don’t have to worry about rushing to work or getting home late at night, like the challenges we face back home in Jamaica. I felt like after the first two weeks, everything became a little easier to handle,” she added.

Despite the fact that she has honed her skills in a fairly successful career spanning 10 years, Beckford, 28, was eager to not only parade her skills in the SSN, but also to continue her development outside of the Sunshine Girls setup, and for her West Coast Fever represents the perfect fit.

“Being in this environment will provide me with the necessary structural skills and resources to unlock a new level of potential in my netball career. So far, it's been going well, although, I can’t stress this enough, the first two weeks were a bit of a struggle as I had to get back into the groove and adapt to the standards and way of playing of the Fever team. However, I'm getting there and I'm pretty excited to see how much this experience will enhance my skillset and develop me as a player by the end,” the soft-spoken player noted.

With the start of the season still just over two months out, Beckford expressed excitement at the prospects for her and Fever’s teammates – which includes compatriots Jhaniele Fowler and Kadie-Ann Dehaney –to find success and, by extension, lay a solid foundation for a possible future at the club, as she has not ruled out the idea of an extension on her one-year contract.

The Dan Ryan-coached West Coast Fever, which won the title in 2022, will open their campaign in this, the eight edition of the SSN against Giants on April 13.

“I'm feeling very optimistic about this fresh crop of girls. It's an entirely new-look team, with many new players joining the ranks alongside some of our more seasoned members. Despite the differences in experience and style, we're blending together seamlessly and making excellent progress so far,” Beckford said. 

“So, I am prepared to do my best to get the job done, no matter what condition I am in. Everyone wants to play in the finals at the end of the season, but I know it won't be easy. Therefore, I am keeping an open mind, embracing the journey, and taking things one session at a time and it will be the same approach come game time,” she declared.

Having so far achieved all that she set out to when she just launched her career as an 18-year-old, Beckford pointed out that adding a SSN title to her accolades, would be the icing on top.

She has so far won Commonwealth Games medals in 2014, 2018 and 2022, along with Fast5 medals in 2013, 2017 and 2018, as well as a Netball World Cup medal last year. All this is complemented by her 2015 stint in England’s Superleague.

“Personally, winning the SSN title would be an incredible moment that I wouldn't be able to explain right now. Let’s just say it would be the icing on the cake, and I know the West Coast Fever family would be thrilled with the victory,” she ended.

The Institute of Sports’ Primary Schools Football and Netball competitions are now down the last 32 after the parish champions have been decided and the draw for the island playoffs completed.

The competition saw the participation of 280 schools for football and 190 schools for netball. This involved the active participation of approximately 8,210 students, with 5,290 participating in football inclusive of 573 females and 2,850 for netball as the parish champions were decided.

St Patrick’s Primary of Kingston are defending all-island netball champion, and they were drawn in Zone 4 alongside Golden Grove Primary of St Thomas, Lime Hall of St Ann and Mandeville Primary of Manchester.

The schools were provided with gears by INSPORTS, with action scheduled to get underway on Tuesday, January 30, when St Patrick’s takes on Lime Hall Primary.

There will be a new champion in the football as the defending champion Pembroke Hall Primary were eliminated during the St Andrew playoffs.

Permanent Secretary, Denzil Thorpe, speaking on behalf of Minister of Sports, Olivia Grange, said the tournaments mark another special achievement in Jamaica’s grassroots sporting development.

“I am sure we would all agree that the Institute of Sports has been doing an excellent job of unearthing talent, as evidenced by the fact that 12 of the 14 National Under-15 team were discovered by INSPORTS and recommended to the Jamaica Cricket Association,” Thorpe pointed out.

“That is the kind of impact we want coming out of these football and netball competitions, which are arguably the biggest age-group competition of their kind in the English-speaking Caribbean,” he added.

“One of our latest stars, Dujuan “Whisper” Richards who signed for top English club Chelsea recently, came up through the INSPORTS football competition, where he was discovered at Harbour View Primary School during the 2015/2016 season.

“These programmes will enable us to bring to the fore, the best talent there is in a competitive environment, in keeping with the INSPORTS mandate of “unearthing talent” in every nook and cranny of Jamaica,” said Thorpe.

Matches will be played on a home and away basis.

Football Play-Offs 2023- 2024

Zone 1: Unity Primary, Corinaldi Primary, Falmouth Primary, Claremont Primary

Zone 2: Little London Primary, Howard Cooke Primary, Clarks Town Primary, Bethel Primary

Zone 3: Brompton Primary, Mandeville Primary, Bethany Primary, Granville Primary

Zone 4: Ocho Rios Primary, Holland Primary, Ballas Valley Primary, New Forest Primary

Zone 5: Denbigh Primary, St Aloysius Primary, Frankfield Primary, Balmagie Primary

Zone 6: Spanish Town Primary, Rousseau Primary, Watsonton Primary, Calabar Primary

Zone 7: Golden Grove Primary, Greater Portmore Primary, Port Antonio Primary, Enfield Primary

Zone 8: Norwick Primary, Port Maria Primary, Lyssons Primary, Oracabessa Primary

Netball Play-Offs 2023-2024

Zone 1: New Hope Primary, Corinaldi Primary, First Hill All Age, Pell River Primary

Zone 2: Savanna-la-mar Primary, Irwin Primary, Clark's Town Primary, Green Island Primary

Zone 3: Brompton Primary, Little London Primary, Bethany Primary, Flankers Primary

Zone 4: Golden Grove Primary, Lime Hall Primary, St Patrick Primary, Mandeville Primary

Zone 5: Spaulding Primary, Black River Primary, Bethabara Primary, Mona Primary

Zone 6: Naggo Head Primary, Half Way Tree Primary, Frankfield Primary, Nazareth Primary

Zone 7: Lyssons Primary, Bridgeport Primary, Seaside Primary, Oracabessa Primary

Zone 8: Buff Bay Primary, Port Maria Primary, White Horses Primary, Clan Carthy Primary

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has made good on her promise to the Sunshine Girls that she would make them monetary gifts for their performance in the Netball World Cup in South Africa and in the first-ever netball tournament held in the Central American and Caribbean Games. 

The Ministry has disbursed a total of Six-Point-Seven Million Dollars ($6.7M) to the bank accounts of the team members in the sum of Three-Hundred-Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) for each member who went to the Netball World Cup in South Africa and One-Hundred-Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) each to those who played at the CAC Games in El Salvador. 

Minister Grange said, “This honours the committed honorarium as part of the Ministry’s Athlete Assistance Programme for the Sunshine Girls’ participation at the Netball World Cup held last year in South Africa where they got the bronze medal and the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador where they won gold. 

Minister Grange said that the Sunshine Girls had more than earned and deserved the support that they continue to get from the Ministry and other sponsors. “They continue to make Jamaica proud as our national team members and also as in-demand international professional netball players. The eight Sunshine Girls now plying their trade in Australia currently are more than the number making up a full netball team. 

“Over the years funding support from Government has gone a long way to enable the netball development programme to produce players of the quality of the eight ladies playing in Australia and making Jamaica the country with the highest number of its netballers playing professionally abroad.  

 “Special congratulations to these ladies: Jhanielle Fowler-Nembhard; Shamerea Sterling-Humphrey, Romelda Aiken-George, Shanice Beckford, Kadi Ann Dehaney, Shimona Nelson-Jok; Latanya Wilson and Jodi Ann Ward.” 

Tricia Robinson, President of Netball Jamaica, expressed thanks on behalf of Netball Jamaica and the Sunshine Girls, saying, “Sincere gratitude for the financial gift given to our team for participation in the Netball World Cup and the CAC Games.”

 

West Coast Fever has retained premiership stars Jess Anstiss and Alice Teague-Neeld for three Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League seasons, as well as Sunday Aryang and Jhaniele Fowler for a further two seasons.

The Club has added the experience Kelsey Browne in the mid-court for season 2024, while the arrivals of England Roses captain Fran Williams, and former Sunshine Coast Lightning player Kadie-Ann Dehaney will bolster the defence.

The future is bright for Fever with the signing of young guns Jordan Cransberg and Olivia Wilkinson for three years each, while the addition of Sunshine Girls goal-attack Shanice Beckford, is also expected to add impetus to the Perth-based club's charge.

Head Coach Dan Ryan said the Green Army should be excited about the familiar faces returning combined with the fresh injection of x-factor players.

“I’m so excited about what this team can become, and our mission is going to be to become the best team we possibly can be. All 10 players contributing, playing a role, using their skillsets and weapons to help get us across the line,” Ryan said.

“It’s going to be ferocious West Coast Fever like always, but we are going to look a little bit different and that’s what I’m really excited by," he added.

Ryan said the Club had a clear strategy during recruitment to ensure the team was very versatile. 

“I think the most important thing to take out of last season is that it really does take a full team of 10 to win the competition, which is what we saw from the Thunderbirds and Swifts,” he said.

“We’ve got a really deep squad. We’ve got positional coverage in every single position on the court, and we can roll the subs in any position without having to make too many shuffles across the court.

“I’m excited by enough continuity that we can keep doing what we’re doing that’s seen us be successful over the past couple of years.

“But we also have some really new, exciting players coming into our line-up that can make us change the game, shift our game plan, shift our strategies and that unpredictable nature is going to be a bit of a competitive edge for us.”

West Coast Fever will officially commence pre-season training in the new year. 

After assisting Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls to break a lengthy 16-year medal drought when they secured bronze at this year’s Vitality Netball World Cup in South Africa, Shanice Beckford toyed with the idea of retirement.

At that time, Beckford was convinced that she had accomplished all she set out to in a fairly successful career spanning 10 years. After all, she was also a part of three teams that won Commonwealth Games medals in 2014, 2018 and 2022, that goes along with Fast5 medals in 2013, 2017 and 2018, as well as a 2015 stint in England’s Superleague.

The only void Beckford felt as she reflected on her journey, was the fact that she didn’t parade her skills in the Australian Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League, though she had already given up on that dream.

But as fate would have it, a one-year deal with SSN outfit West Coast Fever came at an opportune time for Beckford, who was virtually at her wits' end.

“I am still processing to be honest. The thought of playing in the SSN has been a lingering desire of mine for years, and I had given up on the idea, so I am beyond elated that this opportunity that I have been waiting for has now materialized at this point in my career,” Beckford told SportsMax.TV.

“I feel incredibly fortunate, as this opportunity comes at a critical juncture in my life. Lately, I have been struggling to find the motivation to play netball at all levels, but this signing has reignited my passion and gives me a new sense of purpose. I am grateful for this saving grace and will do everything in my power to make the most of this incredible opportunity,” she noted.

“It is not just a dream come true, but a significant milestone in my netball career and life. The prospect of playing in the SNL has always been a driving force that has kept me motivated and inspired me to become a better player. This is a new chapter and phase in my journey, and I am ready to embrace it,” a beaming Beckford added.

The talented goal-attack will join Sunshine Girls teammates, ace shooter Jhaniele Fowler, and defender Kadie-Ann Dehaney at the Perth-based franchise for the 2024 season.

Besides the fact that it is an opportunity to add to her accomplishments, Beckford is well aware of the responsibility that comes with her new contract. It is a responsibility that she embraces but she is also focused on her commitment to her body.

“I am taking the same steps that everyone does while in a professional environment. It is important to be training at a high level, but it is also equally important to make sure you are taking care of your body so that you can be fit to perform at the highest level.

“So, for this new chapter in my life, it is almost like a whole new ball game. Although I am unable to join my team in Australia at the moment, I am keeping myself physically fit by following the necessary training programs, and mentally, I am working on getting my head in right space, basically a renewed mindset, and just preparing myself for the challenges that lie ahead,” Beckford shared.

To say that the 28-year-old has become one of world netball’s most influential and best performed goal attacks, would be an understatement. With a significant workload and craftiness on court, a deadly accurate shot, and a cheerful personality, it is safe to say that Beckford will have little issues fitting into the new environment.

In fact, it would come as no surprise if the Dan Ryan-coached 2022 champions were to extend Beckford’s contract at the end of the season. But for now, the 5ft 9in tall goal-attack is focused on the immediate task at hand.

“I'm feeling a bit nervous and anxious, but also very excited to bring my years of experience to this new opportunity and to continue learning, as there's always room for improvement. I have the right tools to play at a high level. So, my overall goal is to make the most of this new challenge so that I can continue to grow as both a person and a player,” Beckford declared.

“I just want to maintain an open mind and be willing to embrace new ideas and perspectives. Consistency is also crucial as it helps to build momentum and produce results. Hard work is a given, but being open to learning new ways of doing things is equally important. Finally, it's also about having a great season and more importantly, having fun while doing it, building strong relationships, and making meaningful progress,” she ended.

Suncorp Super Netball club, the New South Wales Swifts, issued a statement on Tuesday thanking Jamaican goal-shooter Romelda Aiken-George for her contributions to the club during the 2023 season.

After 14 successful seasons with the Queensland Firebirds which included three titles, Aiken-George joined the Swifts for the 2023 season as a replacement for injured goal-shooter Sam Wallace.

The Jamaican was instrumental as the Swifts finished the season as runners-up to the Adelaide Thunderbirds, losing the grand final by just two points (62-64).

“The Swifts would like to thank Romelda Aiken-George and her family for their amazing contribution to our Club in 2023,” the statement began.

It continued, “Once a respected rival, Romelda came to us as one of the most celebrated players in our game and departs with her reputation even more enhanced. What a ride it was.”

Aiken-George has signed with the Thunderbirds for the 2024 season.

“We wish her all the best for the next chapter in Adelaide and look forward to welcoming her back to Ken Rosewall Arena in the future,” the statement concluded.

 

Adelaide Thunderbirds superstar Shamera Sterling-Humphrey will be back in pink in 2024 after signing a three-year deal with the Suncorp Super Netball club.

The Thunderbirds’ 2023 Club Champion will enter her sixth season with Adelaide in 2024 on the back of the club’s first title in a decade.

Throughout the 2023 season, Sterling-Humphrey proved time and again why she’s considered one of the best defenders in the game with another stellar stat sheet to her name.

In 2023 she topped the league with an incredible 46 intercepts and 118 deflections, and was second for defensive rebounds with 38.

She finished third across the competition for Nissan Net Points with 1472 - the most for the Thunderbirds - and appeared in the Team of the Round on seven occasions.

In her fifth season with the Thunderbirds, Sterling-Humphrey added Leadership Group member and Premiership Player to her impressive list of accolades.

Post-season, she was crowned the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball Most Valuable Player and was named as Goal Keeper in the SSN Team of the Year.

Thunderbirds High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon said the club was thrilled to welcome back a player of Sterling-Humphrey’s caliber.

“Shamera has grown immensely during her time with the club and proved yet again what she’s capable of in our premiership season,” Bourdon said.

“She stepped up into a leadership role in 2023 and led our defensive end to new heights and successes.

“Securing Shamera on a three-year deal is exciting for the club and will extend her tenure with the Thunderbirds to eight seasons.

“We look forward to welcoming her back to Adelaide and working with her to build on what we achieved in 2023.”

 

The Adelaide Thunderbirds proudly announce the acquisition of Jamaican netball sensation Romelda Aiken-George for the upcoming 2024 Suncorp Super Netball League season. The seasoned shooter, who recently concluded a season with the New South Wales Swifts, where she was temporary replacement for the injured Samantha Wallace.

Aiken-George, a stalwart in the netball arena, brings an impressive track record, having participated in 214 national league games and contributing significantly to Jamaica's national team for over a decade.

Her illustrious career commenced in 2008 with the Queensland Firebirds, where she played a pivotal role in securing three premierships and clinching consecutive MVP trophies. Aiken-George, known for her dominance on the court, joined the New South Wales Swifts in 2023, filling in for the injured Samantha Wallace and showcasing her prowess with a notable 847.5 Nissan Net Points.

The prolific goal shooter boasts an array of accomplishments, including holding the record for the highest number of goals in a grand final with an impressive tally of 63. Additionally, she etched her name in Suncorp Super Netball history by becoming the first player to score 3500 goals.

Joining Jamaican teammates Shamera Sterling and Latanya Wilson on the Thunderbirds roster, Aiken-George's arrival is anticipated to fortify the team's attacking prowess for the upcoming season. Thunderbirds High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon expressed enthusiasm about the newest addition, highlighting Aiken-George's experience and scoring consistency.

"Romelda has been a shooting force in the game for over a decade, as evidenced by her stellar performance in the 2023 season," Bourdon commented. "Her wealth of experience will be invaluable to our relatively young attack end, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming Romelda into the Thunderbirds family for the 2024 season."

The wedding bug is now at epidemic proportions within Jamaica’s elite netball fraternity as following on the heels of the nuptials of Shimona Nelson and fellow Sunshine Girl Shamera Sterling in the last three weeks, team captain Jhaniele Fowler exchanged vows with Ashani Nembhard in Kingston on Wednesday.

This is Jhaniele’s second marriage. She married Andre Reid in December 2013. The couple share a daughter, Drehannah.

Fowler-Nembhard, the best shooter in the world, recently signed a two-year extension with the West Coast Fever in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball League.

The Adelaide Thunderbirds have locked in Jamaican star defender Latanya Wilson on a three-year deal that will secure her at the Suncorp Super Netball League club until the end of 2026.

Wilson, who has been with the Thunderbirds since 2021, found her place among the best defenders in the league in 2023, starring across all three defensive positions.

Playing across wing defence, goal defence and occasionally goal keeper, she finished the season in fourth across the league for intercepts with 30 and fourth for deflections with 70.

She was named in the Suncorp Super Netball Team of the Round on four occasions in both wing defence and goal defence, and was named as the wing defence in the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball Team of the Year.

She was also voted by her peers as the 2023 Players’ Player for the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

Thunderbirds High Performance Manager Pitre Bourdon said Wilson would play a key role in the club’s future success.

“Latanya made significant progress in her development in her first two seasons with us in 2021 and 22, and she found a new gear in 2023,” Bourdon said.

“Her combination of talent and commitment has seen her flourish into the versatile and relentless defender she is today.

“We look forward to working with her over the next three seasons.”

 

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