Ferns give up break to coach hometown kids

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Wanganui's two finest netball exports are coming home for Christmas and they are bringing a special gift for the next generation of players.

Joline Henry (76 tests) and Jodi Brown (33) could be forgiven for wanting to take it easy during this brief window of relaxation with Wanganui family, before heading off on the Silver Ferns' big tour of the UK in early January.

Instead, the pair put their heads together during the international campaign earlier this year and decided they wanted to give something back to the local game.

"Joline got hold of Marjory Keelty and told her about their idea. and she got hold of me and we put a plan together," said Lisa Murphy, Netball Wanganui development officer.

The two Silver Ferns will host a session at Springvale Stadium on Monday for 60 netballers, aged between 11-15.

Murphy said the 60 were chosen by sending flyers out to schools around the region asking them to select five players to be considered for the session, with those invited then being decided by a random draw.

"We have coaches from Wanganui and senior rep players coming in to take the five station sessions, and Joline and Jodi will mingle around each station and work with the girls.

"At the end of the sessions, there will be a Q&A time for the players to ask them some questions."

Murphy said the upstairs area would be open for anyone to come and watch the players do their session. "Netball Wanganui would like to thank Joline and Jodi for giving up their time home with their families to come and work with our players.

"We have a lot of very excited players looking forward to their session and what a great Christmas present for them all working with our very own Silver ferns from Wanganui." The session will run from 9.30am to noon.