Fiji’s under-21 netball team, known as the Baby Pearls, is set to participate in the Ruby North Series taking place in Townsville from April 23 to 28. This tournament will serve as a critical platform for the young athletes as they prepare for the upcoming Netball Youth World Cup in September. The lineup primarily consists of locally based players, providing them with the valuable opportunity to experience high-level competition and refine their skills.
Head coach Simone Nalatu expressed optimism about the team’s capabilities, noting their prior successes in matches against formidable opponents from the Cook Islands, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. “This tour is really about providing exposure to our locally based athletes. Our athletes have shown that they can compete at this level, and now the focus is on sustaining that performance throughout an entire match,” Nalatu stated. The goal is to enhance the players’ endurance and match readiness as the team faces elite competition in Townsville.
The Baby Pearls have been engaged in intensive training, with a focus on improving team dynamics and honing individual skills. This preparation is crucial, particularly following a recent training camp that further strengthened team cohesion and set the stage for rigorous competition.
This year’s Ruby North Series presents an important milestone for the Baby Pearls, as they continue their journey toward the Netball Youth World Cup in Gibraltar. The tournament not only aims to build the players’ skills but also reinforces the burgeoning recognition of netball in Fiji, inspiring new generations of athletes and demonstrating the growth of the sport regionally.
The excitement and commitment surrounding the Baby Pearls depict a promising future for Fijian netball, filled with hope and potential for achievements on the international stage.
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