On a lively weekend at the Stephen Regan Sports Complex in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, 11 enthusiastic netball teams from different communities gathered to compete for the highly coveted winner’s trophy. In an impressive victory, Tygerberg Invitational Club emerged as the ultimate champions and made history in the tournament.
The Intense Competition
The competition, which took place on Saturday, 24 June, involved round-robin matches where the teams put on their best performances. After the initial skirmishes, the tournament finals transitioned into a knockout phase, where the bronze medal went to Simunye Netball Club of Khayelitsha, who impressively secured third place. Tygerberg and Weltevrede Netball Club fought for the title, with the former emerging victorious. Tygerberg earned 22 points and claimed the gold medal, giving them the opportunity to watch a netball match during the Netball World Cup in July.
Supporting Young Talent
The U19 Local Netball Tournament series is a significant platform for facilitating the growth of young talent. It allows them to showcase their skills while competing with other local teams. This initiative aligns with the City and Cape Town Netball Federation’s overarching goal of promoting netball and fostering opportunities for youth to engage in the sport. Furthermore, the tournament encourages participants to cultivate a team-oriented mindset, hone their leadership abilities, gain confidence, master netball fundamentals, and most importantly, have fun.
Gratitude and Commitment
Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, expressed her gratitude towards everyone involved in the tournament, from the hardworking organizers to the enthusiastic spectators. She also emphasized the City’s Recreation and Parks Department’s commitment to creating a legacy program spanning three years. The program aims to elevate netball’s profile within communities and motivate local youth to embrace the sport. Resources like training sessions and essential equipment will be provided to facilitate their participation.
The Collaborative Effort
The U19 Local Netball Tournament series is a collaborative effort between the Recreation and Parks Department and the Cape Town Netball Federation. The unwavering support from these partners is vital in ensuring netball’s sustained growth in the coming years.