Rockhampton, Nov. 11, 2023 – Netball Queensland (NQ) is thrilled to introduce the inaugural group of 13 talented athletes selected for the Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy (QFFA).
Coming from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Rockhampton, these athletes, aged 15 to 18, represent the promising netball sports talent thriving in regional communities.
Netball Queensland Reveals Inaugural Firebirds Futures Academy Regional Athletes and Officials
The QFFA program, a testament to NQ’s dedication to nurturing talent, will offer tailored support to these athletes from local coaches and staff. This initiative mirrors programs in south-east Queensland, ensuring equal opportunities for regional players to flourish in their netball journey.
Head of Pathways at Netball Queensland, Roselee Jencke, shared her excitement, stating, “The NQ Regional Queensland Firebirds Futures Academy will provide programs in north Queensland aligned with those in the south-east. This approach allows regions to keep talent locally, benefiting the entire community.”
Athletes and Officials
The diverse cohort includes standout players such as Daniel Statton, a representative of the Queensland Suns, along with the following athletes like
- Ella Sheppard, Charlotte Jonsen, Ciarn McBride, and Brooke Harold from Cairns.
- Sonnyanne Raggett and Chelsea O’Neill from Townsville
- Kate O’Brien, Shaylah Pershouse, and Christa Nissen from Mackay
- Paige Jones, Grace Gabriel, and Mia Victorsen from Rockhampton.
Sports Officials
In addition to athletes, NQ has identified four officials for its Regional Umpire Development squad:
- Zoe Jaenke and Adriene Kannengiesser from Mackay
- Hayley Killer from Townsville
- Alice Maguire from Rockhampton.
Netball Queensland eagerly anticipates the growth and success of these athletes and officials within the Firebirds Futures Academy, applauding their dedication and looking forward to the positive impact they will make in the sport.
