The Nayland Navy netball team has a unique group of coaches!

Netball has been a popular sport at Nayland over recent years. This year there were so many students keen to participate and so many teams formed that it was challenging finding enough coaches to work with the players. When year 13 students Ed Roddick, Theo Clarke and Malachi Stevenson heard about this they saw an opportunity and jumped at the chance to help. 

Having no experience of netball didn't deter the boys who have been learning along the way with help from some netball playing friends. They've also turned to trusty YouTube to learn the rules of the game! Their system seems to be working as the girls in the team are having a great time training and playing and have so far won a number of their games.

Player of the day at Saturday's match Ella Lindsey said "They're very enthusiastic and they make it really fun." The boys also know the power of rewards and bring lollies along for a half time energy boost. Team member Kayleigh Johnson commented, "Yes, they bribe us by bringing lollies to every game!".

Theo explained that when they heard there were year 9 teams struggling to find coaches they felt the urge to step in and help, "We just wanted to help out and give back to the community". Ed commented that the girls have been learning and playing well. Their key strengths he explained are "speed, strength, charisma - and that they've got great coaches!"

Having seen the coaches and the team in action over the last few weeks I can confirm that they make up for any lack of understanding about the game with boundless enthusiasm. The boys are there cheering their team on, dishing out praise and pushing the positivity every week. The NayCol spirit is alive and well out there!