Boy netballer 'fits right in'

Twenty-nine eager young women, five coaches, one skills and fitness guru .. and one boy.
While his mates headed to the beach or filled their time by shooting a ball through a hoop with a backboard on it, 12-year-old Tristan Haycock this week broke the mould by becoming the first boy to take part in a Netball Bay of Plenty summer camp.
The Tauranga Intermediate Year 8 student was one of 30 players enrolled in the three-day camp at Mt Maunganui this week. The camp was live-in, although Haycock was spared potential embarrassment by sleeping in a separate dormitory area from the girls.
Netball Bay of Plenty events manager Raewyn Harvey said Haycock's killer smile, affable personality and keenness to improve his skills ensured he fitted in easily.
"He's the first boy we've had and we were quite excited when we got his registration on the email, although we did make a few discreet enquiries to find out why he wanted to come," Harvey said.
"A few of the girls were a bit giggly at first ... which is typical of girls that age, but most handled it okay.
"He's gotten some light-hearted stick at times from the girls but gives as good as he gets and has got great personality and broad shoulders."
Haycock, who has played social netball for two years at Greenpark Primary and Tauranga Intermediate, heard about the camp from an email in his mum Anna's inbox.
"I knew there probably wouldn't be any other boys but it didn't worry me or occur to me I was being that brave by applying," he said.
Haycock was the only boy in his mixed-grade social team at Tauranga Intermediate last year, although five other boys at the school play the game. He tried out for one of the top-four competitive sides but missed out.
"When I got accepted into the summer camp mum said 'you'll definitely be making top-four this year', and I've been learning a lot, so hopefully my skills are better and my chances are good, but ultimately I want to umpire, probably up to Magic [ANZ championship] level."
Magic shooter Arahi Wall led the camp, with the support of Magic teammates Juliana Naoupu and Jamilah Gupwell. Magic defender Jodi Tod was one of two coach mentors, alongside Bay of Plenty Gold coach Mary Jane Araroa, while Netball New Zealand's Megan Crockett delivered strength, fitness and conditioning sessions.
Harvey said Haycock's superior size and height couldn't disguise the fact he was a relative newcomer to New Zealand's biggest female sport.
"His co-ordination isn't as good as some of the other girls .. He's learned real quick, though, and is in there giving 110 per cent."
Tristan's mum said he'd played netball and basketball last year and loved netball's court time.
"Tristan wanted to keep his interest up by participating in the camp. He and a few of his friends play in a team but as nothing is currently available for them at college he wanted to see what the future could hold."
Haycock hoped Netball NZ rules limiting the age males could play competitively in mixed teams might change.