Netball

In October, we welcomed teams from Rugby School as part of their Northern Ireland netball, hockey and rugby tour. Unfortunately, we lost both matches but enjoyed the challenge at the start of what was to be a very busy few months of play. The matches against Rugby identified weaknesses in our skills-base and in our game-plan. Therefore, we knew there was much to do if we were to enjoy any success in the Intermediate and Senior League as well as the Cup competitions.

The girls trained early on Saturday mornings and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after school. In this practice schedule, the girls demonstrated a huge commitment to netball and the school. Frequently they were also involved on Thursdays after school, if a match fixture demanded it. We are grateful for the quality coaching many of the girls have received directly from the Valley Netball Club and indirectly from Holywood Netball Club. It is only in effective partnerships between schools and clubs that the standard of netball in Northern Ireland will be able to reach performance level.

At all levels, Belfast Royal Academy progressed to A League this season. We knew this was going to be a challenge but also knew that if we were to improve our performance, we needed to be playing against some of the strongest sides, and we did!