Robert Bailey, Sunday Gleaner Writer

A 10-member Sunshine Girls squad, headed by veteran captain Nadine Bryan, is scheduled to leave the island on November 3 to compete in this year's Fast5 World Netball Series.

The championships will take place in Auckland, New Zealand, from November 9-11.

The Jamaicans, who won a silver medal at the championships in 2009, finished fourth at last year's tournament, which was held in Liverpool, England.

The Sunshine Girls' team will also include the likes of Jhaniele Fowler, who is rated as one of the best shooters in the world along with experienced shooter Romelda Aiken.

Also included in the squad are the trio of Anna-Kay Griffiths, Kimone Tulloch and Malysha Kelly, who represented Jamaica at the last World Netball Championships, held in Singapore last year. The other members of the Oberon Pitterson-Nattie-coached squad are, Sasha-Gay Lynch, Shamera Sterling, Vangelee Williams and Shantal Slater.

Meanwhile, Pitterson-Nattie is to remain in New Zealand after the tournament for a month of intensive training, following the conclusion of the tournament.

Pitterson-Nattie will be the guest of Sheryl Dawson, past president of the International Federation of Netball Associations and CEO of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magics - the franchise team that copped top honours in this year's ANZ Championship.

Exposure

Jamaica Netball Association President Marva Bernard, says the opportunity fits into their plans.

"This is part of the JNA's plan for the development of the national coaches. Pitterson-Nattie will be exposed to the training and fitness techniques of this elite team, which boasts well-known New Zealand national players such as Irene Van Dyke and Maria Tutaia, who play goal attack and goal shooter, respectively, for the Silver Ferns," she said.

Pitterson-Nattie said she is looking forward to the experience. "I am excited at the prospect of the one-month stay in New Zealand. In particular, I am looking forward to focusing on the use of technology in training techniques, through video and game analysis," she said.

"I am also looking forward to working alongside the coach of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magics, Noeline Taurua, who was recently appointed assistant coach of the Silver Ferns," she added.