Van der Walt launches netball academy

By Micheal Uugwanga

IF FORMER Desert Jewels and Wanderers Netball Club player Leandri van der Walt established the Esteem Netball Academy in Windhoek to identify future netball stars. Van der Walt, a member of the Desert Jewels (senior netball team) that won the 2019 M1 Nations Cup in Singapore, said the academy will focus on training players between the ages of seven and 15. “In the thriving world of youth sports, where young talents make their first steps toward greatness, this academy will teach more than simply netball skills but will instil in every young player the joy of the game, teamwork, sportsmanship, and steadfast confidence.

“The Academy has dedicated itself to developing young players, focusing on nurturing talent at a critical stage of development because we understand that learning is most effective for young athletes when it’s fun, which is why their training programmes seamlessly blend skill development with enjoyment. Every session, whether dribbling drills, shooting practice, or defensive tactics, is meant to keep young players involved, excited, and hungry to learn,” van der Walt said.

With the current generation of players approaching retirement age, the academy could not have arrived at a better moment as the country looks to become a power to be reckoned with shortly.

Even though van de Walt was not selected for the current Desert Jewels national trials, her efforts on the court for her hometown team, Wanders, did not go unnoticed, as she helped the team finish sixth in their inaugural season in the Netball league.

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