Netting Overseas Experience

Written By
Jade Low and Ng Yu Xuan, Secondary 2

For the training trip to Bukit Jalil Sports School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 10 to 14 June 2024, our team consisted of six Secondary 2 student-athletes and four Secondary 1 student-athletes. It was an unforgettable experience for us as the training sessions were held in Bukit Jalil Sports School, while the mini-tournament (Quad Series) games were held in the indoor netball courts at Institute Sukan Negara, across the road from the school. 

The trip was far from a smooth journey. On the first day, we had to quickly learn about the different cultures and   adapt to the school boarding environment. It was a tough and exciting start of the trip. 
v We are thankful that the Quad Series, organised by Bukit Jalil Sports School, which allowed our team to play against Malaysian Sports Schools namely Gambang Sports School and Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail, Kuala Lumpur Sports School. Our team fought hard against the Malaysians. It was a good learning experience for us as we played better and better each day.  We were grateful for the international exposure and enjoyed the training sessions conducted by the coach from Bukit Jalil Sports School. Training with the Bukit Jalil Sports School netballers made us reflect on the importance of basic netball skills.  Over these days, everyone had become much more closely bonded and were more understanding towards each other. We were all proud of each other for giving all we could on and off the court.

We also had activities off the court, such as team bonding games amongst ourselves and a team bonding dinner with the Bukit Jalil Sports School netballers.  We experienced the rare chance for all ten of us to sleep in the same room throughout the trip.  There is no doubt that my team and I thoroughly enjoyed the team dinner with the Bukit Jalil Sports School netballers. During the dinner, we got to know them better. New friendships were forged, and the friendships that we already had became stronger.

This was definitely a very memorable experience for all of us. We will continue to apply what we learn on and off the court.

Written By
Taryn Kum-Thomas, Secondary 3 and Putri Alya Fatin Muhammad Faizal, Secondary 4

We gained valuable experience playing alongside netballers in Australia, each with unique physicality and playing styles. We also had to adapt to various weather conditions. During our six-day trip, we also learnt essential life skills such as managing our money while grocery shopping and cooking for one another. We embraced values crucial to becoming better athletes, including taking ownership, responsibility, perseverance, punctuality, and discipline. Despite the challenges, we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. This trip allowed us to compete at a high level and create countless memories together.

I am forever grateful for this final opportunity to play, train, compete internationally, and strengthen our bonds. Although our performance may not have been perfect, it taught us perseverance, pushing us to continue fighting against tough opponents. Despite not achieving the results we hoped for, we gave our all until the final whistle, approaching each game as a chance to improve, learn from mistakes, and overcome setbacks. Knowing we had fought with all our hearts, the shared moments of laughter and tears will remain truly memorable. 

Written By
Megan Low Wen Qi, IBDP Year 6

Growing up, I have always enjoyed watching the thrilling, higher-intensity netball games in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Having the privilege of training with teams in New Zealand has, therefore, been very enriching and eye-opening for us. It has taught us new drills, strategies, and important factors that make training sessions and games more fulfilling. My main takeaway is the importance of vocality. This trip has made me realise the power of one’s voice - the constant encouragement and feedback throughout the training sessions within the team has a very positive impact and can elevate the entire team’s mood even after a long day at school. Hence, I strongly recommend for this excellence programme to continue in the future as it is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain new perspectives and strengthen one’s mindset towards the game.