WNA - The Ararat Rats netballers will step out on court tomorrow for round one of the Wimmera Netball Association sporting brand new uniforms.
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Rats' joint-netball director Tracey Laidlaw said the new uniforms added extra excitement across all grades to get the season underway against Nhill.
"They have come up beautifully, so we will be ready to launch those in round one," she said.
"Last year Maz and Kira Payne applied for a grant for the new uniforms from the Ararat RSL and we were very lucky to receive money from them, this was before they went on board with the big sponsorship of the club, so it was absolutely great to get the support off them."
Laidlaw said signs have been very positive during the Rats' pre-season.
"It has been going really well, we've had great numbers across the board and in fact it was probably the best numbers we've ever had for the senior sides," she said.
"That is a real positive for B grade particularly, because they have been struggling for numbers for a few years.
"There are a lot of new young faces to the club and we have also got people that have come back to the club like Jess Shalders and Zara Thompson which is terrific."
Season 2014 will also see new coaches in all grades at Ararat.
Rebecca Skrabl has returned to lead A grade after a season away, while in B grade Hannah Miller and Kara Cunningham will be joint-coaches.
"(Miller and Cunningham) are new coaches who have never done it before, so it is just wonderful that they have taken on that responsibility," Laidlaw said.
"Both have played all their juniors with Ararat and that is the same with Bec, so they are giving back to the club."
The 17 and under team will be coached by Lisa Antonio with Donna Borrelli to be team manager, while Lauri Williamson and Brooke Williamson will share the 15 and under A duties.
Laidlaw said it was great to see the young girls take on a coaching role and that they would be well supported by 15 and under B coach Megan Shea and her team manager Peta May.
Rounding out the new coaches is Kate Bligh who will lead the 13 and unders with the help from team manager Veronica Scott.
Laidlaw said the new Ararat Rats committee had already created a good vibe at the club, with a united front between both the football and netball sides.