CHARLEE Shearer and Grace Beinke have been training with NIAS netball squad and had a chance to try-out for a tier one and two academy squad. All NIAS netballers aged 17 and below were able to try-out for the academy squad, which would represent NIAS in a gala day. The two played five games against others trying out, and were assessed with their fitness and ability. Shearer said the coaches put the girls through different footing scenarios. “Although we didn’t get into the squad we learnt some really good new skills that we can now take back and work on,” she said. They were both emailed pros and cons of their try-out including specific skills they need to work on. “I was told I had to work on my agility and easier ways to change my landing positioning. It was great to get feedback from people who have so much experience,” Shearer said. Beinke was told to watch her feet positioning and to improve on her overall technique. “We’ve made heaps of friends and every time we train with NIAS we learn new things and better our existing skills,” Beinke said. Local netballer, Sandra Lawrence, also travelled away with the girls after being named assistant coach with NIAS. “Our coach was away, so Sandra was coaching us on the day. It was so good to have someone there you know helping and guiding you,” Shearer said.