Ainslie Toole is the Club Person of the Year of the Forbes Netball Association (FNA). Ainslie had made a huge impact in not only promoting netball in the community, but also lobbying politicians to get new netball courts in Forbes.

She started last year by securing a grant of $25,000 to re-build one court, and this year managed to commit politicians to $600,000 for the rebuilding of the Forbes netball complex. Senator Fiona Nash and Michael McCormack, Member for Riverina, promised earlier this year that if the Government were re-elected 12 new courts, eight with lights, would be built in Forbes.

Ainslie started lobbying when word got around that the FNA All Age carnival had to be cancelled as there were not enough playable courts for the large number of teams wanting to attend.

“It was very humbling and lovely to be recognised for the work I’ve done,” said Ainslie after receiving the award. “Our whole committee worked very hard to make positive changes. Our number one goal was to fix the courts.”

Ainslie joined the Forbes Netball Association Committee four years ago as registrar. During that time, she put the FNA on the map for online registrations by becoming the first netball association in the West/Central West to do so.

Ainslie stepped up to become President of the FNA two years ago, and whenever there was a politician in Forbes, she made sure to show them the unplayable state of the courts.

Ainslie had one message for parents: “The more involved you are in your childrens’ sport, the more fun you have.” She said it was a wonderful way to bond with kids. “I would really like to encourage parents to get involved to spend quality time with your kids.”

By Robyn Kenny

Players looking for teams, or teams looking for players should contact Secretary, Lyn Ford on email secretary.forbesnetball@gmail.com There is half a team of ladies who are playing mixed and would like to play in the ladies competition. Anyone interested should contact Lyn.

All nominations must be in by tomorrow. Ladies may play in both mixed and ladies competitions. Times for rounds are at 6, 7, and 8pm every Wednesday night, except through the school holidays when no competition is played.

Players wanting to register for 2016, and need assistance should contact Registrar Kerrie Priest. Any player who is already registered with NNSW will only need to pay the $40 competition fee per player per team. Players must be attending secondary school as minimum age, to open ladies and men.

The minor semi-finals were played last week with Koalas defeating Possums 11 – 0 in the 11 years category, and Firebirds taking a win over Pineapples 15 – 9 in the 13 years group. Koalas won the first quarter by 2 – 0 and the second quarter by 3 – 0.

Paige Britton was leading the way for Koalas, supported by Claire Turner. The Possums’ best players were Abbey Smith, with Ella White in support. The third quarter count was 3 – 0, with Koalas players Ruby Markwort and Bridie Hughes playing great netball. The Koalas finished off the final quarter with another 3 goals to take out the match.

In the 13 years game Firebirds players GiGi Stitt as goal attack had a great game, supported by Centre and goal defence Lauren Bate. Half time score was 8 – 4 to Firebirds. Pineapples’ goalkeeper, Jess Lawler had an outstanding game, supported by goal attack Ally Walsh. Pineapples came back in the third quarter winning it 5 – 4, but Firebirds finished off the final quarter with 2 – 0. In the opens sections Comedy Central had to forfeit their game against Libby’s team due to work and family commitments.

All three winning teams will play the loser of this week’s major semi-final on 27th August. The major semi-finals will be played tomorrow. Finals will be played on 27th August between the winner of the minor semis and the loser of the major semis. The winner of this weekend’s games will go straight to the grand finals to be played on 3rd September with the annual presentation and BBQ to be held the same day.

Nominations for the Best and Fairest awards are; 11 years: Wallabies – Shyeka Griffiths; Joeys – Zoe Anderson and Ellen Dolbel; Possums – Gabby White; Koalas – Claire Turner 13 years: Firebirds – Sybella Carlisle, Lauren Bate, Georgia Stitt; Magic – Aurella White; Fever – Ella Nicholls; Pineapples – Jess Lawler, Lara Pritchard Opens: Chucklers – Kerrie Priest; Comedy Central – Sarah Ridges; Hannah’s – Ellen McLinden; Libby’s – Jessie Rix.