St Andrew’s netball festival showcases top school talent from across South Africa

Thirty-two schools from across SA went toe to toe at the annual St Andrew’s First Team Netball Festival.

Held from March 26 to 29, the school was a hive of activity as learners flocked to Bedfordview to participate in the prestigious four-day tournament.

According to school marketer Brandon Townsend, this year’s event marked the 22nd anniversary of the festival.

He said that although the majority of the schools that participated in the festival were from Gauteng, schools from the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape attended.

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Lerato Gopane, organiser of the festival, said that although the festival got off to a rocky start on the first day due to wet weather, it went well overall.

“Planning and organising a festival like this takes time and coordination. I had a great team and support system that worked together to create a great festival,” said Gopane.

She also thanked the main sponsors, Volvo Bedfordview, Revite, Bossa Bedfordview, aQuellé and Big Blue for their support.

Speaking about the festival’s role in the development of netball and the growth of the sport, Gopane said it is important.

“This festival is considered to be a premier festival, and we have tried to feature it on the Netball South Africa calendar.

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“The festival attracts Schools from across South Africa, with the majority of the players being between the ages of 17 and 18 years old. It serves as a feeder for a lot of varsities that are looking to scout players,” said Gopane.

She said the opportunities that such festivals provide players are great.

In 2014, Gopane was scouted from the St Andrews netball festival by the University of the Free State, where she studied senior phase education.

Gopane explained that it was a great opportunity.

“I got the shock of my life because it was a different kind of netball. If I didn’t play in the St Andrews festival, I wouldn’t have been prepared for what was ahead.

“This festival is high intensity, which I believe prepared me for what lay ahead at university.”

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Gopane said that from the University of Free State, she was scouted by the University of Johannesburg, where she furthered her studies in sports management.

Speaking about her hope for the festival’s future, Gopane said she hopes to see it on the national stage and for Netball South Africa to use it as a grading opportunity for umpires.

Results from the festival are as follows:
• Trophy section: first place was awarded to Holy Rosary School, while Assumption Convent came second.
• Bowl section: King School placed first, and Springfield Convent School came second.
• Plate section: St Cyprian’s School was awarded first place while Kingswood College placed second.
• Championship section: first place went to Roedean School, while St Mary’s Waverley placed second.