Young Sunshine Girls ramp up World Cup prep
Published:Tuesday | February 25, 2025 | 12:10 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
SUZETTE TOWNSEND, manager of the under-21 national netball team, said the squad’s participation in the Netball Jamaica (NJ) Divisional Club League is to help with their preparations for the upcoming Netball World Youth Cup in September.
“The decision to enter the under-21 squad in the Netball Divisional League was a strategic move aimed at both player development and team cohesion,” Townsend told The Gleaner.
“From a management perspective, entering the league was about fostering team chemistry. Each weekend, they bond at the Marva Bernard Netball Chalet, learning each other’s off-court behaviours, bonding and sharing experiences,” she continued.
The youth national squad has been split into two teams for the competition, with an U21 Squad A and an U21 Squad B taking part in the Major League.
Townsend said the experience of playing on a consistent basis will prove important to the team’s development.
“From a player development standpoint, increasing their playing time was a critical factor. Regular competitive matches provide invaluable experience, helping the girls refine their skills, improve game fitness, and enhance their tactical awareness,” she explained.
“The exposure to different styles of play and high-pressure situations will prepare them for international competition, ensuring they are match-ready when representing Jamaica on the global stage.”
The U21 A team sit third in Major League Zone A with two wins and two defeats under their belt.
The U21 B squad, on the other hand, are second in Zone B with three wins and a loss from four games.
While pleased with their wins, Townsend explained results are secondary to the management team’s main objective, which is player development.
“For the management team, success for the U21 Girls is not solely measured by match wins during the local competition, but as I said before, by their overall growth, development, and level of preparedness,” she said.
“Our primary focus is not on winning but on development, discipline, and teamwork. However, if victory comes, we will gladly accept it.”
She continued, “The players have been adjusting well to the challenges of competing in the Major League against some of Jamaica’s more elite and experienced players.”
The national team’s participation in the Divisional League is also a major step in NJ’s long-term plans to ensure the Sunshine Girls remain a global powerhouse.
Townsend explained while the main focus will be on preparing the girls for the upcoming Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar later this year, the competition will also help develop players on the cusp of transitioning into the senior team.
“Overall, this decision aligns with the long-term goal of developing a well-prepared, cohesive, and competitive U21 squad ready to take on the challenge of their peers in the World Youth Cup in September this year and eventually transition seamlessly into the senior ranks to a Sunshine Girl.”