Netball Jamaica pushes for upgraded gym facilities at National Indoor Sports Centre

Netball Jamaica president Karen Baugh says Jamaica’s standing among the world’s leading netball nations is not being matched by the training facilities available to the sport locally.

Baugh said the organisation can use gyms in different parts of the island, but wants a properly equipped, dedicated space at the National Indoor Sports Centre to support the Sunshine Girls and the wider national programme. She said Netball Jamaica has access to a gym, but the equipment is ageing and does not allow players to train at the standard required for elite competition.

According to Baugh, outside supporters have helped by making other gyms available, but she said a stronger home base at the stadium would make preparation easier for coaches and athletes. She described the need as immediate, saying the improvement was required “tomorrow” and perhaps even “last week”.

Baugh said Netball Jamaica often has to speak about its needs while also celebrating the Sunshine Girls’ achievements. She said the team has continued to perform despite limited resources, but argued that Jamaica can offer better backing to a programme with a proven international record.

The call comes as the Netball Jamaica Elite League is scheduled to start on Friday. Baugh said the competition is important to the national player pathway, with Sunshine Girls required to participate alongside members of the development squad and other leading players in the local netball community.

She said the league is designed to expose players to high-level competition and help prepare them for the top tier of the sport.

Friday’s opening double-header will feature the Kingston Hummingbirds against the St. Andrew Arcaids at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Manchester Spurs against the Jace Riders at 7:00 p.m.