Canberra’s young female athletes have been chosen to represent the capital on the national stage and will begin their official training next July.

Three ACT netballers – Alice Henman, Sophia Martinussen, and Hayley Matthew – will attend the Australian Netball Camp later this year.

This follows Netball Australia’s announcement that the athletes will be joining the national squads for under 17 and under 19 in 2023.

Both Henman and Martinussen have been selected in the 17&U Australian squad, with Matthew selected in the 19&U squad.

For Matthew and Martinussen, it will be their second selection into the squad with Martinussen saying that she is looking forward to building that connection with other girls from across the country, on and off the court.

“I know that I have changed a lot as a player since my last Australian camp and I am really eager to get some feedback on my playing style now and seeing how I fit in amongst all the talent from around the country that will be at camp,” she said.

For Henman, this is her first selection into the Australian Squad.

“I was very shocked, and it has been a very exciting time for me and my family,” she said.

Matthew moved to Queensland earlier this year but remains eligible to play for the ACT as her state of origin.

She will return to the ACT in July for the Australian Camps which are being held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Bruce.

ACT Head Coach Kate Carpenter said that this is a fantastic achievement for the three women and recognises the high standard and consistency of performance across the Nationals campaign.

“Their selection also recognises the work of a team of coaches, managers, support staff and ACT Academy of Sport supporting these athletes to achieve these goals,” Carpenter said.

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