NJ securing the future of Sunshine Girls

With the Sunshine Girls being the highest-ranked Jamaican national team, Netball Jamaica (NJ) President Tricia Robinson said the association is committed to ensuring that the team remains a global powerhouse for the years to come.

The Girls are currently ranked third in the World Netball Rankings, which sees them holding the distinction as the highest-ranked Jamaican national team across their respective sports.

They also stand as one of the most successful national teams in global competitions since their competitive debut at the 1963 Netball World Cup - then named World Netball Championship.

The Sunshine Girls have won the bronze medal four times at the Netball World Cup, with their latest coming in 2023, placing second at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, along with three silver medals at the Fast5 World Netball Series.

In fact, of their 34 international campaigns, the Sunshine Girls lowest-ever placement was sixth, at the 1967 Netball World Cup and again at the 2022 Fast5 World Netball Series.

Robinson said that with all their accomplishments, it is a priority for NJ to maintain its global stature by investing in Jamaica’s next generation of netballers.

“To sustain long-term success, we’re focusing on the next generation of talent through grass-roots programmes and leagues that provide young players with opportunities to compete and grow,” the association president explained.

Robinson said a major step in securing the future of the Sunshine Girls would be the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup set for September next year.

The young Sunshine Girls have qualified for the age-group international tournament and will be looking to improve on their most recent placement, where they had finished fifth in the 2017 edition.

They have been drawn in Pool C and will contest the first round of play against England, Tonga, Wales and Sri Lanka.

Robinson said the competition would be the best opportunity to see how the next generation of players stack up against their international rivals.

“Our under-21 have qualified for the Netball World Youth Cup scheduled to be held in Gibraltar next year, and we are keen on seeing them match up against the rest of the world,” she stated.

Robinson said 2025 would prove to be an exciting year for NJ as they are currently preparing for the Sunshine Girls three-match series against South Africa to be held at the National Indoor Sports Centre on January 18, 22, and 25.

The president has promised that local fans will be entertained with world-class netball displays throughout the year as they hope to schedule even more competitive matches for the national team.

“Netball Jamaica aims to keep the team active with a packed calendar of matches through our varying leagues and scheduled tournaments. This ensures they remain competitive and prepared for international challenges,” Robinson said.