The program selects athletes aged between 14 and 16, as well as coaches and umpires to develop within an inspiring and challenging environment.
The program concludes with a weekend-long competition, the “State Cup”, used as the first phase of talent identification for the17/U West Coast Fever Futures program.
For Poppy, a usual week in her life is made up of the two-hour flight back and forth from Karratha, and lots of netball.
“I fly there [Perth] every second week on a Saturday, and we book a hotel for the night, then we fly back on Sunday after training,” she said.
Unlike some of her teammates, Poppy faces a few more steps to get to training.
“We have to hire cars, book flights and accommodation to get to my training on time, and I also have to make sure that I can get back home in time for school,” she said.
To alleviate travel costs, Poppy has access to the Regional Athlete Travel Subsidy Scheme from the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism & Sport. In addition, Netball WA is providing assistance with some funding for regional participants.
At home in Karratha, she plays in both the junior and senior division at Karratha Netball Association while maintaining her training in her second year in the FIT program.
Poppy is proud to be representing regional athletes as the only player from Karratha.
“I lacked a lot of confidence in the first year because I was comparing myself against the metro athletes and it was all new to me,” she said.
“But this year it’s more familiar and I have my friends from last year; I’ve gained a lot of confidence as we’re refining our skills.”
For Poppy, being a part of the FIT program is worth all of the travel.
“Being so regional, it’s harder to find sporting opportunities,” she said.
“I’m really glad to have such a high level of training from all these experienced coaches and playing alongside people who love the sport.
“I’ve left each training with at least three things I want to work on.”
Participants of the program receive training on and off the court with coaches and mentors from across the State passing on their expertise.
“I’m learning to refine my skills, working on strength and conditioning and also all about nutrition and taking care of my body,” she said.
State Cup kicks off on Friday, 10 October through to Sunday, 12 October and sees the squads compete in a round of 40-minute matches leading into a finals series on Sunday.
“I’m really excited for State Cup, I’ve been looking forward to it for a while because I played in the grand final last year which was really fun,” Poppy said.
“It’s great for people to see athletes from Karratha in the State Cup and see the variety of people from different places, not just metro talent,
“It's amazing, 100% worth the journey every time.”
For more information on the State Cup this weekend, please visit this page.
