Netball: New role for van Dyk

Irene Van Dyk will be the official ambassador for the development of Netball from grassroots through to high performance. Photo / Horowhenua Chronicle

Legendary former Silver Fern Irene van Dyk has been unveiled today as Netball New Zealand's official ambassador for the development of the game from grassroots through to high performance.

Van Dyk retired from international netball last year however the 42 year old continues to play ANZ Championship Netball for the Central Pulse.

NNZ chief executive Hilary Poole said van Dyk was the natural appointment due to her iconic status and long-term involvement in the sport over many years.

"There is no-one else as admired and recognisable as Irene van Dyk in world netball, despite her hanging up her Silver Ferns playing dress last season," Poole said.

"She was our first choice to fill the ambassador role as someone who embodies everything we value about netball and we are really delighted to have her join the NNZ team."

Van Dyk will be the face of Netball throughout the country and will attend formal NNZ functions as well as engaging in the community and promoting the game at a grassroots level.

"Irene has been engaged to further enhance the work we are doing at NNZ to continue to raise the profile of netball at all levels," Poole added. "We think it's a fantastic alignment."
Van Dyk is eager to get started in her new role.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for me and I'm going to grasp it with both hands - for me it's a dream job," she said.