TEAM JETS’ thrilling home double-header against Saints Force at Les Ormes was a celebration of netball and its thriving community in Jersey.
Players, coaches, and organisers shared their thoughts on the weekend, reflecting on its significance for the team, the fans, and the sport in the Island.
“It was just a spectacular weekend,” said Linda Andrews, president of the Jersey Netball Association.
“We called it our showcase because we wanted to give opportunities to more than just the Jets to participate.”
Andrews highlighted the inclusion of under-12 and under-11 matches, as well as a game featuring year six to eight players, many of whom are not in performance programmes.
“It was just giving them a little bit of exposure in front of people. Live sport – there’s nothing better, is there?
“For other Jersey girls to see it happening and think, ‘Right, okay, I can be there one day,’ it’s just brilliant.”
She added: “I was so proud of everybody that took to the court. It was an incredible team effort, from the players to the volunteers.”
Team Jets coach Emily Green spoke of the pride her squad felt in bringing netball back to Jersey and showcasing the team’s hard work.
“I think the girls felt a real sense of pride bringing netball back to Jersey and having the opportunity to showcase the work we’re doing.
“Unless you come to a game and see it – the pace, the physicality, the intensity – you don’t really appreciate the standard that we’re playing to.”
Reflecting on the matches, Green said: “Saturday was a real show of resilience. We had challenges, worked through them, and then they threw something else at us, which we had to regroup and plan for. Sunday was marked by coming out from the blocks. We learned a big lesson from Saturday and cleaned up our play, executing with clinical precision.”
Saints Force captain Liberty Hartley praised the unique experience of playing in Jersey.
“The atmosphere was so cool over here, very different from our normal away games. You always have a crowd, but not quite as big as this. It made me want to give even more on court.”
She also highlighted the value of the experience for her younger teammates. “We brought some training partners that are only 16 or 17, and for them to walk into this, when sometimes they’ve not even played a Regional 1 game, was daunting. But it gave them a real opportunity to get a sense of what an atmosphere like this is all about.”
Jets captain Rosie Tonner reflected on the rarity of playing at home and the added pressure it brought.
“We were really nervous but so excited to be in front of our home crowd. We don’t often get this opportunity, and it does come with added pressure. But we stayed composed, and I was so proud of everyone who took to the court.”
She also praised the squad’s growth this season, saying: “We’ve lost a lot of experience, but everyone has stepped up massively.
“I think you can see how well connected we are as a team, and that makes this season one of the most enjoyable I’ve had.”
Andrews emphasised the importance of the crowd and the support from the community.
“When Rebecca Forrest came out with an interception –she’s our goalkeeper – the way the crowd responded, it was just this huge sense of jubilation. Everyone had a smile on their face. They just love to play netball, and that showed.”
She also thanked the volunteers, led by Megan O’Connor, and the sponsors, Ora Ventures Ltd, Voisins, and Mourant.
“This was truly a community effort. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
Green echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of showcasing the sport to younger players. “Just those youngsters being able to feel like, ‘That’s what I’m aspiring to, and, if I work hard, that’s what I can achieve,’ the girls were really proud to show that.”
She also noted the nerves brought on by the home crowd, particularly for those experiencing it for the first time. “It does bring another level of something to overcome, but I was so proud of the leadership from our captain, Rosie, and how the girls trusted the process.”
As the final whistle blew on Sunday, the cheers from the stands were a resounding affirmation of what the weekend meant to everyone involved.
The weekend served as a celebration of netball’s unifying power in Jersey, inspiring young players and reminding all of the community that makes the sport so special.
