PENRYN Netball Junior section celebrated another fantastic year last week at its annual end of season presentation evening.

The Inspiration Agency at Penryn College hosted over 100 junior players, and their parents where each of the Junior Team coaches recognised their Top Trainer, Best Newcomers, Coached Player, Most Improved and Player of the Season.

The Club has six junior teams as well as an under ten's development group, with players ranging from 9-16 years old.

The junior teams have had a really successful season, with the U14’s Sapphires team unbeaten in the Cornwall League.

The club welcomes new players who are keen to develop their skills beyond what they are able to do at school and enables players to further develop their netball skills through regular training and competitive play.

The club is also actively seeking qualified netball coaches due to increased popularity with the sport.

Special guests at the evening were Ruth Grimmer and Rachel Caunter from the University of Exeter, who this year have supported the development of a new trainee coaching and umpiring programme for young players.

The programme, run by Emma Moore and supported by Debbie Ashworth, has taken 16 members through a ten-week plan of activities that introduces them to the principles of coaching and umpiring.

Club Chairperson Allyson Glover said: “With the increasing interest in netball, thanks in part to the fantastic achievement of the England Roses at the Commonwealth Games, it’s becoming more important that clubs invest in their talent pipeline.

"Without Coaches and Umpires there is no game and it’s important to invest in the skills development in these roles as netball skills.”

Ruth Grimmer from the University of Exeter said: “We are delighted to be able to encourage the talent pipeline of the club with our sponsorship, it’s exactly the type of programme that the University is proud to be supporting here in Cornwall."

The club will start to train at the end of August for the next season and welcomes new players, sponsors and coaches to both its junior and senior sections. To enquire please contact info@penrynetballclub.org or visit www.penrynnetballclub.org