The Netball Association of Ghana (NAG) has outlined series of training programmes for the year as part of efforts towards developing the sport and strengthening the national team with the necessary skills of the sport.

The programmes to be organised in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, Security Services Sports Association, Regional Sports Directorates and Ghana Universities Sports Association (GUSA), will see the holding of crusades across the country between April and July to identify and train umpires and coaches.

It is also aimed at selecting players who will be groomed and drafted into the national netball team nicknamed “Golden Maidens”.

Reverend Emmanuel D. Nikoi, President of NAG, in a statement copied to GNA Sports, said the Security Services workshop will take place from 23-27 April, 2012 at the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex, Kaneshie Accra, whilst the Ashanti Regional workshop will be held from 7-11 May 2012 at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi.

The Central Region will have its turn from 14-18 May, 2012 at the Robert Mensah Stadium,Cape Coast and the Adisadel School Sports Stadium with the Eastern Region hosting the event from 21-25 May, 2012 at the Teacher’s Resource Centre, Koforidua.

From 28 May to 1 June, 2012, the Upper West Regional capital, Wa will be the centre and the Upper East programme will be at the Bolgatanga Teachers Resource Centre from 4-8 June, 2012.

The Tamale Sports Stadium will host the Northern Regional edition from 11-15 June, 2012 and finally the Western and Volta Regions will take their turns from 9-13 July, 2012.

Rev. Nikoi said the workshops will culminate in the National and International umpires grading courses in August 2012 to upgrade the conference of umpires.

He added that umpires who excel at the national series of workshops will be awarded with umpire badges and licenses to be better placed to practice netball effectively in the country and to meet international standards.**