After a trial of more than 50 girls, the selectors from the hunter region narrowed the squad to 32 players. 

The Glen Innes girls include Liz Chard, Siddella Donnelly, Summa Carpenter, Ruby Beatty, Jess De Jong, Emily Burton and Eleanor Malone.

This is Jess and Summa’s first year in the representative program.

Head Coach Kirstie Fuller said the age group is very competitive and is comprised of a wide spread of players from throughout the NIAS region.

“There is a few returning athletes, so they had their combos, but it is very exciting for the future,” she said.

“There has been a lot of growth in all the athletes over the past year.

“It’s great to have seven girls included from Glen Innes.”

The seven girls are excited to be included in the team and are hoping to increase fitness and skills throughout the year.

The girls believe that the size of the squad is good for the team as there will be more competition to gain a game playing position and will bring out the best strengths in the team.

A major goal of the Glen Innes girls, who also play state age together, is to move up to division one after coming fourth this year in division two.

Glen Innes and District Services Club General Manager Pat Lonergan said the club is extremely happy to be a sponsor for the program.

:It is a great sport for use to be sponsoring as it is so big in Glen Innes,” he said.

The girls are not officially inducted until January but Fuller wanted to fit two sessions in before Christmas so the girls can work on their fitness over the summer break.

“They will come back to squad and be game ready,” Fuller said.

This weekend will be the first squad training held in Glen Innes.

“We will be doing fitness testing and seeing what levels they are up to,” Fuller said.

“We will also be doing ball and footwork.”

The netball squad will play at Academy games, NIB games and even travel to New Zealand next year with the NIAS program.