Who says netball is for girls only? John Landrigan finds it's one of the fastest-growing boys' sports in Auckland.
With outstretched hands and his tongue poked out for poise and balance, James Hickman catches a netball and shoots for goal.
His on-court skills are obvious and he's netting most shots at a goal twice his height.
James is only 10 and, yes, you are right, he is a boy playing a game usually the domain of girls. But who deemed it a game only for girls? James certainly can't think who's responsible and the opinions of some won't sway his passion for the game.
He started playing last year for Monte Cecilia Primary with his sister. She no longer dons the bib, but he loves the game and is determined to play on.
Boys playing netball is not new. Many give it a go at social leagues. What's new is the number of boys like James who are taking to the court and wanting to play competitively.
"There are more boys taking it up," says James. "Some teams have three boys playing."
The number of boys playing has grown by 13 per cent in the junior or "Future Ferns" level and Year 7 and 8 competitions over the past year, confirms AMI Auckland Netball chief executive Dianne Lasenby.
This month, 18 teams of Year 7 and 8 boys from nine netball zones around the region entered the first Auckland Central Schools Interzone Boys competition at the St Johns courts. Leading up to the tournament, up to 100 all-boy teams from about 70 schools from Counties Manukau, West Auckland, North Shore and City vied to make the final 18.
Boys can play in mixed teams from their schools or through the AMI Netball Centre club up until the age of 12. Organisers are trying to instigate an all-boys competition at the New Zealand champs in 2011.
James is one of four boys at his school who plays netball.
Other primary schools are having to restrict the number of boys on the court at any one time. This shows a need for an all-boys league, says Mrs Lasenby, who's keen for more boys-only competitions.
"Many of the boys in the first all-boys tournie displayed strong aerial skills, accurate passing, and vision down the court. It was wonderful to see the skill level that these boys displayed and the enjoyment they were having."
Greater numbers are expected next year after word gets around about the success of the tournament. Remuera Intermediate was the overall winner, beating Ponsonby and Kowhai intermediates.
James loves to play all forms of sport, including flippa ball, water polo, rugby, cricket and softball, and was encouraged to play netball by his father.
"Dad said it would help my throwing and catching skills and, if I practise shooting, I could be really good at netball. It's one of my favourite sports. It's really fun and keeps me fit. Even if it's a boring day I know I will have a fun day because I will be playing sport."
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