Two talented Howick College netballers are shooting for the top.
Avah Sila and Charlie Lindsay have been selected for the New Zealand U21 netball squad aiming for a three-peat at next year’s Netball World Youth Cup.
“I’m a little nervous but excited,” says Avah, who plays goal keeper and goal defence.
“I feel so grateful and blessed to be selected for the squad.
“I’m looking forward to growing my game and learning from the experienced players and coaches at camp.
“Howick College has always supported me in all my sports, encouraging me to be the best I can be, both on the court and on the field.
“Making it to the 2023 Condors 7s final with our rugby team led to my selection for the NZ U18 7s team at the Global Youth Sevens.
“The support from my school and family has enabled me to pursue this fantastic opportunity to represent New Zealand in two codes, and I’m overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude.”
Following a camp in Auckland, 14 players will be chosen for a Rising Stars tour in Fiji (August 16-24) featuring teams from Australia, Fiji, Singapore and New Zealand.
The tournament serves as a springboard for next year’s World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
However, Charlie says she’s taking her preparations one step at a time.
“If I make the team for Fiji, it’ll be my first time going overseas, which is exciting,” the centre says.
“My end goal is to make the [World Cup] team but I just have to learn from every opportunity and until then and take it one step at a time.
“I’m incredibly excited about this amazing opportunity, which came as a real surprise. I’m deeply grateful and feel truly blessed.
“I can’t wait to learn from Julie Seymour and play alongside the top emerging players in the country!
“Howick College has given me fantastic opportunities to improve my game and strive for excellence.
“I love the unique culture within our netball program. It encourages everyone to get involved as much as possible.
“Thanks to this support, I’ve also had the chance to play touch, sevens, volleyball, tag, and basketball. Overall, I’m thrilled to be part of this squad and can’t wait for camp!”
Should Avah and Charlie make the cut, they’ll join a Kiwi team seeking a third straight World Youth Cup after victories in Scotland (2013) and Botswana (2017).
The pair has no shortage of support from school and club, Amanda Dyason from Howick Pakuranga Netball (HPNC) confirms.
“We’re so proud of Avah and Charlie. They have worked tirelessly showcasing their leadership as well as their on-court skills and incredible commitment to netball.
“The whole HPNC community wishes them well for their next step in their netball journey.
“We look forward to seeing them perform in this high-performance environment.”
Avah and Charlie aren’t the only locals selected in the U21 squad, which includes former Howick College pupil Amelia Walmsley.
However, since her international debut last year, the Central Pulse shooter will be taking aim at higher honours with the Silver Ferns.
Another former Howick College star, Lili Tokaduadua (Northern Stars), was not considered due to eligibility criteria.
While the young team boasts some established players, its newest additions should rise to the occasion, U21 coach Julie Seymour expects.
“[We’ve] been impressed with the dedication and performances of the age-group players.
“The international stage is a big step and an important pathway for any players aspiring to take their game to the next level.”
Howick College director of sport Adelita Sotutu says the school is “incredibly proud” of Avah and Charlie.
“Our Netball Academy kicked off this year and is now in full swing, focusing on developing the next generation of netball talent.
“However, we’re not just about netball. Like Avah and Charlie, many of our students excel across multiple disciplines, and we support them in all their sporting pursuits.”
