The Bernard Park netball courts were a hive of activity this week as the next generation of Bermudian talent took to the hardwood for a series of skills and drills sessions. Primary school students from across the island gathered to sharpen their fundamentals, focusing on the core pillars of the game: precision passing, agile footwork, and clinical shooting.
This surge of grassroots energy serves as the perfect curtain-raiser for a high-stakes weekend of competitive action. Netball Bermuda has officially released the schedule for two of the most anticipated events on the local calendar: the Juniors Merle Parfitt Hustle Tournament and the Seniors Sylvia Eastley Memorial Tournament, both set to take place this Saturday, January 10th.
The Merle Parfitt Hustle Tournament will showcase the island’s rising stars across three age brackets. Teams in the 10 and under, 13 and under, and 16 and under divisions will compete in a fast-paced round-robin format. To maintain the high intensity that the “Hustle” brand is known for, matches will consist of five-minute halves, demanding immediate impact and tactical discipline from the opening whistle.
Following the youth festivities, the focus will shift to the veteran ranks for the Sylvia Eastley Memorial Tournament. This senior competition also follows a round-robin structure but allows for a slightly longer tactical battle, with matches contested over seven-minute halves. The tournament remains a poignant fixture in the season, honouring the legacy of a titan of the sport while providing a platform for the island’s elite senior clubs—including the likes of Phoenix Heat and Lindo’s Tigers—to test their mid-season form.
With the newly renovated courts at Bernard Park providing a world-class surface, the Bermuda Netball Association is expecting a significant turnout. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to support the development of the youth players before the senior powerhouses take center stage in the afternoon.
