Clayton Clarke
Sports Correspondent
Njeri Aja Duke, the president of the Secondary Schools Netball Association (TTSSNA), is thankful to all stakeholders for ensuring that this year’s league got started. Play in six of the eight education Districts (St Patrick, Victoria, North East, Caroni, PoS & Environs, and Tobago) across the country got underway in September.
Duke said, “I have support from MoE (Ministry of Education) officials, teachers, coaches and students.”
She pointed out that among the setbacks are some schools are without coaches to work with the young players. “The challenges faced are the availability of coaches in schools located in Central and South Trinidad, the availability of indoor venues to conduct games, the timeliness of registration of schools and players in some Districts hinders planning for the regional competitions.”
She added that some school administrators are not willing to have their students participate.
Duke also shared that only two districts (Tobago and Port-of-Spain & Environs) have teams registered in the Boys’ Division.
The Point Fortin East Secondary educator shared that the annual Secondary Schools Netball League is without a title sponsor for another year.
However, she still sees the league as integral to the growth and success of the sport across the country.
“The competition is very important to the success of national teams. Students who have not been exposed to netball in communities or are registered in clubs have the opportunity to be involved in this beautiful game.”
She said that during this competition, new talent can be found and students can be recruited to train for national teams and various age groups.
Action in the South Eastern District is scheduled to top off today at the Mayaro Indoor Sporting Complex from 10 am with an opening ceremony. Two matches are on the card. Competition is yet to begin in St George East.
The current executive of the TTSSNA was elected into office in June of this year.