Thunderbirds are go! Stratford netball club win maiden trophy

STRATFORD Thunderbirds secured their first trophy since being launched in Warwickshire’s first ‘Hi 5’ tournament.

The Thunderbirds fielded five teams of their youngest members, from under-nines to under-11s, in the event at Caludon Castle Sports Centre, Coventry and took the top three places in the Under-11s.

Amy Barrett, captain of the Thunderbirds A team, was presented with the trophy after her team won six matches and drew one with their team-mates, Thunderbirds B.

The club was only formed nine months ago.

Around 90 youngsters, ranging from Year Four to Year Nine, train regularly and such is the demand that the club is looking for further venues.

Head coach Kelly McCormack said: “I am immensely proud of the players, team managers, parents and club officials who attended this event. It really has put Thunderbirds on the map!

“With 19 teams taking part from both schools and clubs around Warwickshire, this is a massive achievement for the girls who have only been playing together since the New Year and with only brief experience of playing in the Worcestershire ‘Hi5’ leagues.

"To see our young under-nines playing their socks off and beating U11 teams was amazing.”

High 5 Netball is fast and furious version of the game for under-11s. Only five players are allowed on the court at any one time with a strict rotation through every position. Players must be fit and skilled to play both offensive and defensive positions.

Chairperson Lucy Hargraves said: “The way the club has taken off has been a phenomenal success. It’s been fantastic. We keep growing and growing and now we’ve got nearly 100 players.”

The Thunderbirds train on Mondays at Shottery and on Tuesdays at KES.

For more details about Stratford Thunderbirds, go to the website at www.stratfordthunderbirds.com