Waya netball academy partners with UK team

The Old Mutual-sponsored Mary Waya Netball Academy has struck a kit exchange deal with the English Netball Super League champions Manchester Thunder, the International Netball Federation has announced.

“The academy, formed by former Malawi Queens shooting star Mary Waya, has been established to run netball clinics throughout the country to identify and nurture promising players and provide a playing environment for those who, in many cases, do not have access to basic equipment,” the  federation’s website reports.

“The development programme offers students the unique opportunity to learn from current internationals and coaches, as well as a pathway for player development which culminates in the new Thunder Queens Netball Club, which will utilise the former Super League side’s playing strip.”

Waya confirmed yesterday that she enticed the English team after making a presentation on the sidelines of the 2012 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Thunder won the 2014 netball league championship in the UK.

“With the Old Mutual coming in as our sponsors, our profile is all over the world. We now have many friends across the world. The team in the UK wrote me an e-mail asking if they could send old and new uniforms. They eventually sent six sets, some of which, as an academy, I have donated to other teams such as Thunder Queens and Civonets,” said Waya.

She added that clubs in New Zealand have also been helping the academy with equipment such as bibs.

She said her ultimate aim is to use her connections and knowledge to groom many young netballers across the country and build the next generation.

Waya, the Malawi Queens coach, is part of the golden netball generation that took Queens to number one position on Africa rankings while being placed fifth in the world.