After 10 high-energy games in 6 days and 117 goals scored, the Brooklyn Blaze netball team returned from AIMS 2024 in Tauranga in mid-September ranking in the top 40% - 60th out of 140 teams - far exceeding all expectations.

The team battled injury, exhaustion and top-ranked teams, bringing huge heart and fortitude to every game. Their aim was to meet and exceed as many of their goals as they could, regardless of results, which made the final placing an even greater delight for both players and supporters.

After a strong start, winning two of their three pool games, the Blaze made it into

division B (places 49-64 in the country) before facing a series of well-drilled and

lethal opponents, starting with Wainouiomata Intermediate (ranked 2nd ) followed by teams from Auckland, Whangārei, New Plymouth, Tauranga (ranked 6th) and Fielding, all bringing their A games and putting up formidable fights.

The Wellington team spirit was strong at AIMS, with many local teams supporting

each other. Blaze players could often be found courtside, shouting support for new friends from Wainuiomata, SWIS and Maidstone, who backed the Blaze in return.

Coached by Fa’asalele Malo and managed by Laura-Jane Howard, the Blaze had only two months to train and fundraise to get them and their support crew to Tauranga.

The team proved that, with the right combination of hard work, fortitude, resilience and grit, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition, anything is possible!

The Blaze would like to thank the Brooklyn community and others who helped make AIMS 2024 happen. The team could not have done it without this incredible support.

Photo from left: Laura-Jane Howard (manager), Clara Haigh, Lulu Rennie, Lucia Keaney, Maddy Dunlop-Reeve, Kate Zandvliet, Zoe Malo, Innis-Rose Poff, Kaylee O'Kelly, Ciara O'Kelly, Millie Howard, Zoe Brazier, Fa'asalele Malo (coach).