Hawks Netball will move to a new development structure in 2021, integrating its future stars directly into its Victorian Netball League program.
The new approach will see a group of “Hawks Next Generation” athletes training as part of the Hawks’ 19/Under team on a weekly basis, giving them weekly exposure and access to the VNL training environment and the Hawks VNL coaches.
The structure will see the Hawks Next Generation athletes and program replace the Hawks Magic Development team program in 2021.
Hawks Netball High Performance and 19/Under coach Guy Keane said the new structure was aimed at ensuring stronger training and development outcomes for players identified as Hawks-in-waiting.
“We’re incredibly excited to have our rising stars integrated directly into our VNL squad for 2021,” Keane said.
“We want our developing athletes to be ready to step onto a VNL court, and having them training with and against the VNL players week in and week out provides the best chance for them to take that step, just like we see with players at higher levels,” Keane said.
The Hawks Next Generation athletes will participate in all Hawks 19/Under VNL training sessions and be provided with VNL match night opportunities as required.
They will be encouraged to maintain their own external matchplay opportunities, with Hawks VNL coaches to view and support them in these environments.
Keane said that while COVID had been very challenging for all clubs and players, it also presented opportunities to review programs and trial new initiatives.
“We want to see the players in our program receive the best possible opportunities to experience and progress through to VNL netball, and we look forward to trialling a more targeted approach to give players the best chance to take that step.”
A screening session for Hawks 19/Under and Hawks Next Generation is being held on Sunday, November 15 from 4-6pm at Knox Regional Netball Centre, Ferntree Gully. Players who have not played VNL previously MUST attend this session if they wish to be considered for VNL/Hawks Next Generation trials. REGISTER HERE.