Send Sonia your questions using this form and read her answers to a selection of recent questions at the bottom of the page
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| Read my answers to your questions |
A belated happy New Year to you all!
I really do think that 2008 will be a great year for netball and me.
Why? Well I'm back training and playing with the Brunel Hurricanes, and I can say that there are definitely some hidden stars in the team.
First Lara Welham, our GA. She's a great shooting asset who has been able to support young Vicklyn Joseph, and both play superbly together.
Also, Donna Fearon WD has returned to the netball courts after giving birth to a lovely baby boy.
Donna is back fitter and stronger on the courts, which is encouraging for sports women who take time out to have children.
Have you guys all heard about the 'Bring a Bloke' campaign!
Yes you heard right. We at the Hurricanes are encouraging our supporters to bring a bloke to the home games at the Guildford Spectrum.
The Guildford Heat basketball team are also supporting this campaign which, I think, will benefit everyone.
So, Bring a Bloke and support the Hurricanes!
So netball is on its way and I am sorry to tell you all so am I!
The sport is going semi-professional down under, in the new Trans-Tasman League.
This has been established to raise the bar in netball, and will see 10 of the best teams from New Zealand and Australia battle it out in 69 games over 17 weeks.
I have been invited to play for the Wellington-based Pulse, so you guys know what team to support. I will be keeping you udated on my progress, so watch out!
Sonia x
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How did you become such a good netball player?
Sophie, England
Practice makes perfect they say! I just work hard at what I am doing and listen out for advice and tips.
I saw you and your Brunel team play at the NIA Birmingham last year and have since become a netball fan that was glued to the TV when the World Cup was on. I wish I found this game sooner. It's just a shame that a 36-year-old man cant walk around London with a Brunel netball shirt on as I can with my Tottenham football shirt. But I do look forward to seeing an England game live real soon.
Sunny, London
Yes you can! Brunel Hurricanes sell large hoodies that can fit men. We have lots of men that also come to our games, especially after our 'Bring a Bloke' campaign.
What inspired you to start netball?
Beckie, England
I would say an old school teacher kept me motivated.
Hi, Sonia, Say heya to Geva Mentor when you see her as she plays GD right? I'm playing for Rochdale under-11 now and been scouted for Lancashire. I have a long road ahead of me but I hope that netball will stay with me for the rest of my life! Issy, England
Good girl, keep it up, keep practicing, and I will say hi to Geva!
Were you born in England? I was born there but I'm going to school in jamaica. I watch how you play and you are brilliant - my superstar.
Chinnell, Jamaica
Thanks Chinnell! Yes, I was born in England. Keep watching and supporting and thanks for getting in touch.
I am a GD. Are there any tips you can give me to improve? How can I get more involved - I already play on the Oxfordshire team and a club. Also, I admire you! Thanks.
Beckie, England
Hey, Becky whilst playing make sure you can always see your Goal Attack and the ball. This will involve you keeping on your toes and always changing your body angles so you can see both.
Practice denying your player from getting into the circle once she leaves, as she can't shoot from outside. Keep playing for your club and you can get more involved with netball by visiting the England website: www.englandnetball.co.uk and maybe start supporting a Superleague team such as Brunel Hurricanes.
How did you become such a good player? Did you start in a local team?
Issy, England
I used to play for my county team Middlesex from under 16. This was considered my local team at the time. I was also with Academy netball club. They both helped to make me a good player, by providing me with regular training and matchplay.
I am thrilled with the way the English, more especially the media, hype up any of their national teams. But the challenge is to have the teams live up to those expectations.
Muhammad, Uganda
Hi, Muhammad. Well, there was a lot of hype before the last World Championship but unfortunately we couldn't come home with a medal. But there is no doubt that England netball has progressed so far in recent years and we are now ranked third in the world. One day we will hopefully be world champions.
I think that netball is a good fun sport. Did you always want to be an elite netballer?
Holly, England
No not always, it just crept up on me, I got bitten by the bug and it progressed from there really.
How old do you have to be to start playing for England? Thanks!
Isabella, England
I was on the under-18 team and started playing senior in 1999 but there is an England under-17 team which consists of girls aged from around 15, I think - maybe you could email England Netball visit: www.englandnetball.co.uk and ask for advice on age ranges. Have a look at the national squad pages, too.
I would like to play Netball in England as a professional, I am 23 but how and where do I get started can I send my CV to someone? Please help.
Chantell, South Africa
If you are playing at a very high standard and think that you would be good enough then you could trial for a Superleague squad - there are now a number of internationals playing in the Co-operative Superleague.
A list of Superleague clubs and contacts including the Hurricanes is on the England Netball website and you could also play for a national club team - again a list of contact details are on the England website.
The game is not played professionally here yet, only the new Trans-Tasman league in Australia and New Zealand has this in place but English netball is not far off being a semi-pro game if it continues to develop as it currently is.
Sonia x
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