Eight Institute netballers have been selected in the Australian 21/U national team.

The squad of fourteen will compete in a series of practice matches in Brisbane from 6-11 August against the 21/U teams from New Zealand and England.

At the conclusion of this series, a team of 12 will be selected to join the Australian Netball Team on its tour New Zealand.

During this time, the 21/U team will play their first match in Christchurch as a curtain raiser to the national teams on 17 September, with the second 21/U test match scheduled on 19 September.

AIS/Australian Coach Simone McKinnis is thrilled to be working with such a talented and committed group of athletes.

“I am looking forward to seeing the team perform under pressure against the New Zealanders and the English in Brisbane and giving every athlete the opportunity for selection in the team for the New Zealand Test Series in September,” she said.

The World Youth Cup will be held in the Cook Islands in July 2009. An initial squad will be named in October following the inaugural season of the Australian Netball League.

The 2008 21/U Australian Netball Team:

Caitlin Bassett WA
Shae Bolton VIC/AIS
Kimberly Borger NSW/AIS
Madison Browne VIC
Laura Geitz QLD
Andrea Gilmore WA
Ashlee Howard VIC
Jasmine Keene WA/AIS
Sharni Layton VIC
Samantha May NSW/AIS
Chelsea Pitman NSW/AIS
Laura Scherian QLD/AIS
Amy Steel VIC/AIS
Courtney Tairi NSW/AIS
Coach - Simone McKinnis OAM
Specialist Coach - Nicole Cusack
Manager - Donna Monteath
Doctor - Bianca Scotney
Physiotherapist - Steve Hawkins
Massage Therapist - Gamal Darwish