Friday, 15 April 2011
photos from the past few day
From the meeting with the Minister, the visit to the caves, the match with St James Parish
....and so on.........
Leaving Jamaica
14th April
After our one late night watching the hotel entertainment we woke early for a 7.30am breakfast [to make the most of the few hours we had left] and went to sit by the pool [at least the coaches did - although we did a check every 10 mins!!], the girls played water volleyball, sat at the pool bar with their pink creations [the E405 drinks], walked around , swam and basically did everything for one last time. At 11.00 we all went to our rooms for a shower and final packing, met at 11.45 and had lunch and went to the airport at 12.45.
Winsomme [from St James Parish Netball] was there waiting for us and ensured we had no queues and that everything went smoothly.....well apart from Dionnes' missing suitcase, but Winsomme took care of that and both were reunited! Thank you Winsomme for taking care of us all yet again.
After a bit of shopping we boarded our flight to find that the whole of the back of the plane empty so that left us plenty of room for each of us to have a row of four seats to sleep on! As we took off we passed over the beautiful white sands and turquoise sea of Montego Bay....'Goodbye Jamaica' said the Ladies, and promptly grabbed their blankets and ran to the back of the plane to bags a set of 4 seats!
Thank you to all that have been involved with the organisation and delivery of this trip: Jill, Donna, Dionne, Colette, Elaine Ingram, Tony Coleman, Tony Di Ponnio - Speedone One Sports, Josh and Tony - Just Swagga, Bartley Green School, Kingsbury School, Plantsbrook, School, Bishop Walsh and my colleagues in the office who have shared and helped with every challenge [!] . The players have come up with some good ideas about how to move this forward, so looks like we will be working towards bringing a Jamaican team over here, we could hold a special tournament for them [with the BINL]and play some representative matches, have a reception at the Banqueting Suite in the Council House and then if someone has a big back garden with neighbours that don't mind loud music, we could carry on there...! Look forward to meeting up with everyone at the follow up meeting 'Birmingham/Jamaica Celebration Evening' [PS Thank you Ladies for my lovely Thank you card and all the lovely messages xx
After our one late night watching the hotel entertainment we woke early for a 7.30am breakfast [to make the most of the few hours we had left] and went to sit by the pool [at least the coaches did - although we did a check every 10 mins!!], the girls played water volleyball, sat at the pool bar with their pink creations [the E405 drinks], walked around , swam and basically did everything for one last time. At 11.00 we all went to our rooms for a shower and final packing, met at 11.45 and had lunch and went to the airport at 12.45.
Winsomme [from St James Parish Netball] was there waiting for us and ensured we had no queues and that everything went smoothly.....well apart from Dionnes' missing suitcase, but Winsomme took care of that and both were reunited! Thank you Winsomme for taking care of us all yet again.
After a bit of shopping we boarded our flight to find that the whole of the back of the plane empty so that left us plenty of room for each of us to have a row of four seats to sleep on! As we took off we passed over the beautiful white sands and turquoise sea of Montego Bay....'Goodbye Jamaica' said the Ladies, and promptly grabbed their blankets and ran to the back of the plane to bags a set of 4 seats!
Thank you to all that have been involved with the organisation and delivery of this trip: Jill, Donna, Dionne, Colette, Elaine Ingram, Tony Coleman, Tony Di Ponnio - Speedone One Sports, Josh and Tony - Just Swagga, Bartley Green School, Kingsbury School, Plantsbrook, School, Bishop Walsh and my colleagues in the office who have shared and helped with every challenge [!] . The players have come up with some good ideas about how to move this forward, so looks like we will be working towards bringing a Jamaican team over here, we could hold a special tournament for them [with the BINL]and play some representative matches, have a reception at the Banqueting Suite in the Council House and then if someone has a big back garden with neighbours that don't mind loud music, we could carry on there...! Look forward to meeting up with everyone at the follow up meeting 'Birmingham/Jamaica Celebration Evening' [PS Thank you Ladies for my lovely Thank you card and all the lovely messages xx
Another great day!
10th April
OK, the scores from yesterday: [Jamaica / Birmingham] 9-4, 18-10, 30-15, 41-17. 47% accuracy in scoring for Bham and 75% Jamaica] Over and done with
Today 10th April, we woke to yet another beautiful sunny day in Kingston Town.. If you phone the Wyndham Hotel, they answer with 'Good Day, It's a beautiful day at the Wyndham, how can I help' and they are right!! After yet another big breakfast, with Alvin taking very good care of us all, we took our bus to the National Stadium. The players were to receive coaching by the Jamaican National U16's Coaches, and Donna [supported by moi] was delivering a workshop to the Jamaican Junior Umpires.
I had taken a video of the first u16's match and was showing it to the coaches [for analysis], Jill talked straight away about our defence and how we were not marking the pass anywhere near the opposing player. The Jamaican Coaches taking the coaching session that morning said they had watched our game and noticed we were not defending the passes, so based it around that. The players said they really enjoyed it and learnt loads, as did our coaches who learnt different ways of coaching a skill. Meanwhile Donna was out in the heat with the young umpires, girls who hadn't made the U13's and U16's squad however were encouraged to stay in netball through this programme. They had turned up in persil white skirts and tops and hair neat. Their umpiring was excellent [regardless of their age], they spotted everything and spoke all the correct terminology, and always said 'yes miss' - very impressive. Donna had concentrated her workshop on hand signals and confidence with voice, and they really benefitted from that. As we were finishing, our players came over, and we all sat down together in the shade - Coaches, sisters, players, All in all a very good morning.
After resting/reaxing in the afternoon we took our bus to the National Stadium to play our second match against the Jamaican under 16's. The Jamaica team delayed the match by 30 mins to allow the sun to go down, by 5.45pm the sun had disappeared under the clouds and there was a good cool breeze. The score of 40 - 10 [to Jamaica] did not entirely represent the game, however the Jamaicans beat us convincingly - no doubt about that. They are an exciting team to watch, with hard, powerful passes. They fight every inch of the way, defend every ball and are totally foxused until the final whistle blows.
OK, the scores from yesterday: [Jamaica / Birmingham] 9-4, 18-10, 30-15, 41-17. 47% accuracy in scoring for Bham and 75% Jamaica] Over and done with
Today 10th April, we woke to yet another beautiful sunny day in Kingston Town.. If you phone the Wyndham Hotel, they answer with 'Good Day, It's a beautiful day at the Wyndham, how can I help' and they are right!! After yet another big breakfast, with Alvin taking very good care of us all, we took our bus to the National Stadium. The players were to receive coaching by the Jamaican National U16's Coaches, and Donna [supported by moi] was delivering a workshop to the Jamaican Junior Umpires.
I had taken a video of the first u16's match and was showing it to the coaches [for analysis], Jill talked straight away about our defence and how we were not marking the pass anywhere near the opposing player. The Jamaican Coaches taking the coaching session that morning said they had watched our game and noticed we were not defending the passes, so based it around that. The players said they really enjoyed it and learnt loads, as did our coaches who learnt different ways of coaching a skill. Meanwhile Donna was out in the heat with the young umpires, girls who hadn't made the U13's and U16's squad however were encouraged to stay in netball through this programme. They had turned up in persil white skirts and tops and hair neat. Their umpiring was excellent [regardless of their age], they spotted everything and spoke all the correct terminology, and always said 'yes miss' - very impressive. Donna had concentrated her workshop on hand signals and confidence with voice, and they really benefitted from that. As we were finishing, our players came over, and we all sat down together in the shade - Coaches, sisters, players, All in all a very good morning.
After resting/reaxing in the afternoon we took our bus to the National Stadium to play our second match against the Jamaican under 16's. The Jamaica team delayed the match by 30 mins to allow the sun to go down, by 5.45pm the sun had disappeared under the clouds and there was a good cool breeze. The score of 40 - 10 [to Jamaica] did not entirely represent the game, however the Jamaicans beat us convincingly - no doubt about that. They are an exciting team to watch, with hard, powerful passes. They fight every inch of the way, defend every ball and are totally foxused until the final whistle blows.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Last full day
13th April
A very easy day today, the morning was spent on the beach with the girls playing volleyball and spending time in the sea. After lunch and some more time in the shade they went off to the pool [accompanied of course!]. It was a beautiful day today, blue sky and no clouds, and sun all the way.
We are eating in one of the a la carte restaurants so the posh frocks will get an airing tonight.
We began speaking about the legacy programme today and how we should carry it forward. The girls have plenty of ideas and are very excited about being involved. They would very much like to have the Jamaican Netballers over next year, and we are talking about how they can give back some of their new skills to the Jamaican community in Birmingham. We will be arranging a Team Birmingham Netball celebration evening in the not too distant future, this will be for parents and players, we will provide individual feedback, as well as show the video and photos [I will supply copies].
I will try and upload some photos, but the connection here is slow.........
We are checking out around 12.30 tomorrow, flight at 15.40 and we will see you all on Friday morning.
I hope you have enjoyed keeping in touch through this blog
Sue
A very easy day today, the morning was spent on the beach with the girls playing volleyball and spending time in the sea. After lunch and some more time in the shade they went off to the pool [accompanied of course!]. It was a beautiful day today, blue sky and no clouds, and sun all the way.
We are eating in one of the a la carte restaurants so the posh frocks will get an airing tonight.
We began speaking about the legacy programme today and how we should carry it forward. The girls have plenty of ideas and are very excited about being involved. They would very much like to have the Jamaican Netballers over next year, and we are talking about how they can give back some of their new skills to the Jamaican community in Birmingham. We will be arranging a Team Birmingham Netball celebration evening in the not too distant future, this will be for parents and players, we will provide individual feedback, as well as show the video and photos [I will supply copies].
I will try and upload some photos, but the connection here is slow.........
We are checking out around 12.30 tomorrow, flight at 15.40 and we will see you all on Friday morning.
I hope you have enjoyed keeping in touch through this blog
Sue
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Last but one full day, Birmingham v St James Parish Development Squad
A lie in for some today, breakfast was at 9.00 followed by a shopping trip to buy gifts and things. Well parents, brothers and sisters, I know what some of you are getting! One of the Reilly family - you have something nice to put on your head!
After the shop, we had lunch and then the coaches took over to prepare for our match against a team from the development programme in the Parish of St James, a lovely area with a population of just 40,000. Our venue was Montego Bay Cricket Club. The players were asked to rest in their rooms and preferably sleep.
We met at 3.45pm for a 30 minute journey to the venue. Typical Jamaican style, there were a number of sports going on and all with plenty of seatng for spectators [netball 150+].
Well Birmingham lost, 3 - 6, 6 - 12, 7 - 17, 14 - 18. This could have been won, but the ball was not going through the hoop. St James' goal average was 72%, ours was 27%. It wasn't just the lack of goals, overhead passing when the St James' players could just pluck the ball out of the air didn't help. St James were a great team, the GS was just 12 and she was pretty amazing!! The St James Coaches, Umpires, Members of the Association and the helpers gave us a very warm welcome and offered great hospitality [as has been typical of our trip so far]. There was a great atmosphere at the court with family and friends turning out to support there players [approx 100] The TV Cameras were there as were the newspapers [think that will be out the day we leave]. After the match all the players got together swopping accents and teaching each other certain phrases. We were given plates of delicious fresh fruits and even better some delicious cake and juice, as I said we were very well taken care of by Winsomme and ger team [Winsomme will be at the airport when we leave]
These are the most recent write ups [following on from the links Malcolm provided]
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/U-16-netballers-pound-Birmingham-43-10_8654765
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/U-16s-whip-Birmingham-in-friendly_8649467
The photos are slow to upload so will try again tomorrow
After the shop, we had lunch and then the coaches took over to prepare for our match against a team from the development programme in the Parish of St James, a lovely area with a population of just 40,000. Our venue was Montego Bay Cricket Club. The players were asked to rest in their rooms and preferably sleep.
We met at 3.45pm for a 30 minute journey to the venue. Typical Jamaican style, there were a number of sports going on and all with plenty of seatng for spectators [netball 150+].
Well Birmingham lost, 3 - 6, 6 - 12, 7 - 17, 14 - 18. This could have been won, but the ball was not going through the hoop. St James' goal average was 72%, ours was 27%. It wasn't just the lack of goals, overhead passing when the St James' players could just pluck the ball out of the air didn't help. St James were a great team, the GS was just 12 and she was pretty amazing!! The St James Coaches, Umpires, Members of the Association and the helpers gave us a very warm welcome and offered great hospitality [as has been typical of our trip so far]. There was a great atmosphere at the court with family and friends turning out to support there players [approx 100] The TV Cameras were there as were the newspapers [think that will be out the day we leave]. After the match all the players got together swopping accents and teaching each other certain phrases. We were given plates of delicious fresh fruits and even better some delicious cake and juice, as I said we were very well taken care of by Winsomme and ger team [Winsomme will be at the airport when we leave]
These are the most recent write ups [following on from the links Malcolm provided]
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/U-16-netballers-pound-Birmingham-43-10_8654765
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/U-16s-whip-Birmingham-in-friendly_8649467
The photos are slow to upload so will try again tomorrow
Monday, 11 April 2011
Moving on from Kingston
11th April.
This morning after packing and breakfast, we waited in board room number 2 at the Wyndham for the Minster of Sport, Culture and Communities, Olivia Grange. The ladies were dressed in their I Love Jamaica Netball TShirts and cameras were at the ready. When she came, our girls lined up and introduced themselves and shook her hand [they were really sweet, Emily C added in a 'nice to meet you' and Phoebe used both hands to her one!]. The Minister said she was pleased we had all had such a good welcome. She spoke about sport and winning and losing, that she liked Birmingham and would be coming again in June/July. Sophie, as Captain, made a little speech and presented her with our gifts. After photos, she went off to her cabinet meeting, I went and bought 2 more newspapers with write ups about our matches [never knew there was so many ways to describe a defeat!!] and we left for the Green Grotto Caves which are on route to Mo Bay. I went to the Bank to change money for lunch one route, and waited in the queue. The man 3 a head turned round and said 'I know who you are, you were on the television last night - you're the netball team' JNA did a good job!
Our bus took us a different route, but equally as stunning. It was yet another great opportunity to see this beautiful land.
We arrived at the caves and was introduced to our guide 'Chezz', thereafter to referred by the Ladies as Chezza or Chezzy. The guide and the group were well made for each other, with lots of laughs, teasing and taking the mickey!! He so enjoyed taking us, and the girls so enjoyed his style . The group really enjoyed this trip, and found the caves fascinating.
We arrived at the hotel we first started our trip with: Riu, it was quite late so time for a relax, shower and unpack and then we went off to eat. Someone recognised Ellie Reilly, and actually knew her name [her photo was in the paper and she was named]...more fame....
For once the girls asked to go the bed before the allotted time, we were pleased.
Shopping 1st thing and then from 12.30 on wards focusing on the game at 5.00pm.
Photos to follow
This morning after packing and breakfast, we waited in board room number 2 at the Wyndham for the Minster of Sport, Culture and Communities, Olivia Grange. The ladies were dressed in their I Love Jamaica Netball TShirts and cameras were at the ready. When she came, our girls lined up and introduced themselves and shook her hand [they were really sweet, Emily C added in a 'nice to meet you' and Phoebe used both hands to her one!]. The Minister said she was pleased we had all had such a good welcome. She spoke about sport and winning and losing, that she liked Birmingham and would be coming again in June/July. Sophie, as Captain, made a little speech and presented her with our gifts. After photos, she went off to her cabinet meeting, I went and bought 2 more newspapers with write ups about our matches [never knew there was so many ways to describe a defeat!!] and we left for the Green Grotto Caves which are on route to Mo Bay. I went to the Bank to change money for lunch one route, and waited in the queue. The man 3 a head turned round and said 'I know who you are, you were on the television last night - you're the netball team' JNA did a good job!
Our bus took us a different route, but equally as stunning. It was yet another great opportunity to see this beautiful land.
We arrived at the caves and was introduced to our guide 'Chezz', thereafter to referred by the Ladies as Chezza or Chezzy. The guide and the group were well made for each other, with lots of laughs, teasing and taking the mickey!! He so enjoyed taking us, and the girls so enjoyed his style . The group really enjoyed this trip, and found the caves fascinating.
We arrived at the hotel we first started our trip with: Riu, it was quite late so time for a relax, shower and unpack and then we went off to eat. Someone recognised Ellie Reilly, and actually knew her name [her photo was in the paper and she was named]...more fame....
For once the girls asked to go the bed before the allotted time, we were pleased.
Shopping 1st thing and then from 12.30 on wards focusing on the game at 5.00pm.
Photos to follow
Photos
Saturday, 9 April 2011
Another amazing day!!
Saturday 9th April
6.30am alarm call for all!And after a good breakfast, we set off for the National Stadium and our match against Jamaica Under 16's.
Although a 10.00am start, it was still quite hot, and the venue had changed from inside to out.
The announcements began and names called to run on court, Birmingham first and then Jamaica. Teams walked towards each other and exchanged gifts, as we are only one team playing 3 of their teams we are now in possession of lots of gifts [so if your children tell you they have bought you a gift from Jamaica...beware!]
This was a hard match and we lost! A crushing defeat the radio said as it reported on Birmingham's visit to play Jamaica U16's. We lost by a lot [and I'll let you have the result tomorrow - it's been a busy day...]. Why did we lose? Heat for one, but mainly because the Jamaicans were pretty stunning! Fast, exciting, sharp and they fought for everything. At 3/4 time Jill [who was lead coach on this match] told the everyone to go out and play hard, give everything and make the most of this amazing opportunity. Sophie [Captain] really rallied the girls around 'just 12 minutes more to give what we've got', but in the end not enough.
The players went back to the hotel for a cold bath and review, Colette assisted by Donna delivered an excellent coaching workshop to Jamaican coaches and teachers [and infront of the famous former Australian Coach and now Technical Director for 4 months to Jamaica Senior Squad, Jill McIntosh!]. This trip is also about knowledge exchange between Birmingham and Jamaica and within Birmingham itself. Donna said the workshop had been fanastic and she had learnt such a lot.
We all ate lunch by the pool, the team had a review meeting, and we met again to leave for the Welcome Reception at the Sunshine Chalet at no.17 Welcome Drive [think all of that sums up the Jamaican people].
The Sunshine Chalet is owned by the Jamaican Prime Minister and has been leased to the Sunshine Girls, who stay there when they have a test series. It means they can all be together/work together etc at an important time. It's set further up the mountain, surrounded by palm trees and has lots of grounds.
The Welcome reception was wonderful - great food, lots of cold drinks, ice cream, cakes [so much for the healthy eating!], music, dancing and more gifts. There was a formal welcome and address and speeches from both Dorothy Hobson and Marva Bernard and myself. Then..............................the sun cooled down, a breeze started up and the music got louder!!!
Dance offs began, dancing together continued and then the coaches on both sides joined in, thankfully that didn't last for long!
Two hours later, still dancing, teaching each other and lots of laughing and photos. We had to leave to go and watch the league games, our bus pulled up, email address were swopped, more last photos, tears, lots of hugs between them all and we got on the bus, only to be followed by the Jamaican U14's and a few U16's who were also going to watch the matches and were hitching a ride!
The Stadium and league netball on a Saturday night is pretty exciting! We piled into the seats, our girls and their new friends up in the corner, us coaches out the way below.
Four courts in use with league games from 9.00am through till 10.00pm, the seating for 1000 [?] filled with friends and family, lots of food and drinks stalls, and .....music... It's a pretty amazing atmosphere and totally different to our central venues [although don't think our weather helps!]. The second game we watched was between 2 prem league teams, the greens had the most Internationals and the purples had one in the dev squad and two girls who played in the U16's match. The Purples were leading when we left. It was a pretty exciting match, not for the score, but for the play..
Our girls were having their hair done by their new friends when we called them to go, more cuddles and lots more tears [on our side]. Evening meal, team briefing and off to bed, but not before the girls said they'd had an amazing day, had really enjoyed it all and had had so much fun [there were more tears - but all good ones!].
Its not allowing me to upload photos, will try again tomorrow.
6.30am alarm call for all!And after a good breakfast, we set off for the National Stadium and our match against Jamaica Under 16's.
Although a 10.00am start, it was still quite hot, and the venue had changed from inside to out.
The announcements began and names called to run on court, Birmingham first and then Jamaica. Teams walked towards each other and exchanged gifts, as we are only one team playing 3 of their teams we are now in possession of lots of gifts [so if your children tell you they have bought you a gift from Jamaica...beware!]
This was a hard match and we lost! A crushing defeat the radio said as it reported on Birmingham's visit to play Jamaica U16's. We lost by a lot [and I'll let you have the result tomorrow - it's been a busy day...]. Why did we lose? Heat for one, but mainly because the Jamaicans were pretty stunning! Fast, exciting, sharp and they fought for everything. At 3/4 time Jill [who was lead coach on this match] told the everyone to go out and play hard, give everything and make the most of this amazing opportunity. Sophie [Captain] really rallied the girls around 'just 12 minutes more to give what we've got', but in the end not enough.
The players went back to the hotel for a cold bath and review, Colette assisted by Donna delivered an excellent coaching workshop to Jamaican coaches and teachers [and infront of the famous former Australian Coach and now Technical Director for 4 months to Jamaica Senior Squad, Jill McIntosh!]. This trip is also about knowledge exchange between Birmingham and Jamaica and within Birmingham itself. Donna said the workshop had been fanastic and she had learnt such a lot.
We all ate lunch by the pool, the team had a review meeting, and we met again to leave for the Welcome Reception at the Sunshine Chalet at no.17 Welcome Drive [think all of that sums up the Jamaican people].
The Sunshine Chalet is owned by the Jamaican Prime Minister and has been leased to the Sunshine Girls, who stay there when they have a test series. It means they can all be together/work together etc at an important time. It's set further up the mountain, surrounded by palm trees and has lots of grounds.
The Welcome reception was wonderful - great food, lots of cold drinks, ice cream, cakes [so much for the healthy eating!], music, dancing and more gifts. There was a formal welcome and address and speeches from both Dorothy Hobson and Marva Bernard and myself. Then..............................the sun cooled down, a breeze started up and the music got louder!!!
Dance offs began, dancing together continued and then the coaches on both sides joined in, thankfully that didn't last for long!
Two hours later, still dancing, teaching each other and lots of laughing and photos. We had to leave to go and watch the league games, our bus pulled up, email address were swopped, more last photos, tears, lots of hugs between them all and we got on the bus, only to be followed by the Jamaican U14's and a few U16's who were also going to watch the matches and were hitching a ride!
The Stadium and league netball on a Saturday night is pretty exciting! We piled into the seats, our girls and their new friends up in the corner, us coaches out the way below.
Four courts in use with league games from 9.00am through till 10.00pm, the seating for 1000 [?] filled with friends and family, lots of food and drinks stalls, and .....music... It's a pretty amazing atmosphere and totally different to our central venues [although don't think our weather helps!]. The second game we watched was between 2 prem league teams, the greens had the most Internationals and the purples had one in the dev squad and two girls who played in the U16's match. The Purples were leading when we left. It was a pretty exciting match, not for the score, but for the play..
Our girls were having their hair done by their new friends when we called them to go, more cuddles and lots more tears [on our side]. Evening meal, team briefing and off to bed, but not before the girls said they'd had an amazing day, had really enjoyed it all and had had so much fun [there were more tears - but all good ones!].
Its not allowing me to upload photos, will try again tomorrow.
Friday, 8 April 2011
A great win!
Friday 8th April. It's difficult to believe we only arrived yesterday as already we have done so much. I meant to say that yesterday when we arrived at the airport with several hundred other visitors and tourists, we were met by a lovely lady named Winsomme, who works at the airport, but also happens to be the netball league coordinator in St James Parish [we play them on Tuesday]. Much to the dismay of everyone in the passport control queue, we were taken to one of our own and went straight through. Customs was the same!
This morning, after a big breakfast, we left for Kingston. The journey was incredible. We followed the beautiful coast road and stopped at Runaway Bay [where the Jamaicans 'ran away' from the British invaders, we then went inwards and upwards through small friendly villages, and then downwards towards New Kingston. We had passed through several parishes with amazing scenery and vegetation, and learnt about all the famous people that had been born in the various places. The girls are to be quizzed by Marcia at the end of the week! It was a lovely journey and enjoyed by all.
Checked in at the Wyndham and were met by Marva Bernard, President of Jamaican Netball and Antoinette who has worked [voluntarily] on the netball part of the trip. Straight away we started preparing for our first match against Jamaica 13's [although ranged from 12 - 15, but mainly 12/13].
Jamaica Netball Association gave us a great welcome, everyone was so nice. They provided us with iced bottle water and energy drinks as well as fresh fruit snacks.
The newspapers [we have already appeared in 2 newspapers http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Birmingham-Juniors-arrive-to-play-Sunshine-counterparts_8641681 were there, live radio and Jamaican Television [apparently we were on the news that evening and later that night]. Jamaica Netball are certainly taking the Legacy Programme seriously.
A formal welcome was given, teams walked on and gifts were exchanged. Players were then called out [on the PA] onto court. School mates and familes had come to support their girls.
Sophie did a great job as Captain, and really motivated the players.
And then play began...
1st 1/4 we were clearly getting used to the heat and a different style of play, we were down 4 -5. 2nd 1/4 - played with a lot more conviction and more determination, went into a lead of 12 - 7.
3rd 1/4 18 -12, and to win 24 - 16.
Jamaica U13's are a sharp team, I doubt you would see the same in England.
After 3 cheers, we had photos with the Sunshine Girls and lots of chat and laughs with the U13's and sisters and brothers. We also met Grace Jackson [Olympic Athlete - as was her Mum who was also there] who has promised to coach Ellie Reilly if she goes to Jamaica!
We left late, tired, inspired and happy!
Cold soak, then meal by the pool with DJ Jenny Jenny Karaoke...She made a special announcement about Team Birmingham Netball and our win, and everyone [her Karaoke is a local event at the hotel] gave us a great welcome. Karaoke night......I think you know what happened next!! If I can post the video - I will. Our team's first song was Happy Birthday to you [it was my birthday] which was so sweet.. and then it went onto Girls just gotta have fun... DJ Jenny Jenny thanked them and said 'I hope your performance tomorrow [v u16'S] is the same as your performance tonight!!!
We moved into the lounge for a team briefing about the day ahead. Plus individual feedback was given to all players before retiring for the night. Tomorrow......... Opening Ceremony [the players have had to learn the N.A!], V u16's, back to hotel then Official welcome reception] Not sure what all this yellow is about!
A busy day - but yet another one to look forward to. No need for photo explanations
This morning, after a big breakfast, we left for Kingston. The journey was incredible. We followed the beautiful coast road and stopped at Runaway Bay [where the Jamaicans 'ran away' from the British invaders, we then went inwards and upwards through small friendly villages, and then downwards towards New Kingston. We had passed through several parishes with amazing scenery and vegetation, and learnt about all the famous people that had been born in the various places. The girls are to be quizzed by Marcia at the end of the week! It was a lovely journey and enjoyed by all.
Checked in at the Wyndham and were met by Marva Bernard, President of Jamaican Netball and Antoinette who has worked [voluntarily] on the netball part of the trip. Straight away we started preparing for our first match against Jamaica 13's [although ranged from 12 - 15, but mainly 12/13].
Jamaica Netball Association gave us a great welcome, everyone was so nice. They provided us with iced bottle water and energy drinks as well as fresh fruit snacks.
The newspapers [we have already appeared in 2 newspapers http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Birmingham-Juniors-arrive-to-play-Sunshine-counterparts_8641681 were there, live radio and Jamaican Television [apparently we were on the news that evening and later that night]. Jamaica Netball are certainly taking the Legacy Programme seriously.
A formal welcome was given, teams walked on and gifts were exchanged. Players were then called out [on the PA] onto court. School mates and familes had come to support their girls.
Sophie did a great job as Captain, and really motivated the players.
And then play began...
1st 1/4 we were clearly getting used to the heat and a different style of play, we were down 4 -5. 2nd 1/4 - played with a lot more conviction and more determination, went into a lead of 12 - 7.
3rd 1/4 18 -12, and to win 24 - 16.
Jamaica U13's are a sharp team, I doubt you would see the same in England.
After 3 cheers, we had photos with the Sunshine Girls and lots of chat and laughs with the U13's and sisters and brothers. We also met Grace Jackson [Olympic Athlete - as was her Mum who was also there] who has promised to coach Ellie Reilly if she goes to Jamaica!
We left late, tired, inspired and happy!
Cold soak, then meal by the pool with DJ Jenny Jenny Karaoke...She made a special announcement about Team Birmingham Netball and our win, and everyone [her Karaoke is a local event at the hotel] gave us a great welcome. Karaoke night......I think you know what happened next!! If I can post the video - I will. Our team's first song was Happy Birthday to you [it was my birthday] which was so sweet.. and then it went onto Girls just gotta have fun... DJ Jenny Jenny thanked them and said 'I hope your performance tomorrow [v u16'S] is the same as your performance tonight!!!
We moved into the lounge for a team briefing about the day ahead. Plus individual feedback was given to all players before retiring for the night. Tomorrow......... Opening Ceremony [the players have had to learn the N.A!], V u16's, back to hotel then Official welcome reception] Not sure what all this yellow is about!
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Goodnight!
Eyes started dropping during dinner [thank goodness!], however they perked up during the team talk about the day ahead and the preparation in terms of themselves as performers. Sophie was appointed Captain and Jill took her through the formal handshake and exchange of gifts, and the post match speech. She seemed fine with that repsonibility and happy to take it on.
Just to let you all know I have lost my phone, however if there is anything urgent then you can call my personal one, I will email that number to you. The internet is very slow and I can't upload images here so will attempt to do so via email.
There's some good ones!
Goodnight, it's 3.07 you time!
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Going to Jamaica!
Well - just about up and running on this blog!
Bryn, who was out with Team Birmingham Athletics in March [For the all Island turn out for the Gibson Sprints] asked me today 'what % are you stress and excitement' well finally at last no stress and just really looking forward to what is going to be a great experience for all concerned. Can't wait to experince the real Jamaica, great sports people [neck and neck with England in Netball.......and we won't mention Usain Bolt!], something to learn from.
Our afternoon is going to be easy.............
On the messages front, our first match againt the U16's is on Saturday, so I will pass on messages up until then.
Thanks so much to Tony Di Ponio, Speedone Sports and Justswagga.com - amazing help over the kit and netballers legs.
Thanks also to Elaine, Tony and Julie for helping this trip on its way
See you all very early and very bright on thursday at 5.45am, [sophie M's enthusiasm and excitement - brilliant!]
Bryn, who was out with Team Birmingham Athletics in March [For the all Island turn out for the Gibson Sprints] asked me today 'what % are you stress and excitement' well finally at last no stress and just really looking forward to what is going to be a great experience for all concerned. Can't wait to experince the real Jamaica, great sports people [neck and neck with England in Netball.......and we won't mention Usain Bolt!], something to learn from.
Our afternoon is going to be easy.............
Thanks so much to Tony Di Ponio, Speedone Sports and Justswagga.com - amazing help over the kit and netballers legs.
Thanks also to Elaine, Tony and Julie for helping this trip on its way
See you all very early and very bright on thursday at 5.45am, [sophie M's enthusiasm and excitement - brilliant!]
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