A TOUGH fitness camp at Gatton ranks high in the memories of Emma Bell in her first year at the Ergon Energy Darling Downs Netball Academy.

Bell and fellow Warwick team member Josie McCosker were invited to train this season at the academy.

Both are part of the Warwick 14-years team, under coach Belinda Fenton.

The side is unbeaten in the 16-years age group in the Darling Downs Inter-district competition this season. And finals are at Laidley tomorrow. Bell said the fitness camp at UQ campus at Gatton was a challenge.

“We did weights to develop our strength and worked with medicine balls,” she said.

“I have learnt a lot from the academy’s tough training sessions.”

McCosker said the camp was focused on core strength.

“The academy training has been really beneficial and has helped us develop our game play,” McCosker said.

“The coaches also teach us respect for other players.

“It has been a great opportunity to improve our skills.”

Goal defender McCosker said her favourite player was Australian Diamonds goal keeper Laura Geitz who hails from Allora.

“Laura is inspirational, you can tell that by watching her on court.

“Off court, she is an easy-going personality.”

Bell is in awe of the support Geitz gives to the netball community on the Darling Downs.

She also likes watching Australian Diamonds shooter Nat Medhurst in action.

“Nat’s a goal shooter,” goal attack Bell said.

While neither has set a definite goal in the sport, McCosker said it would be great to play in the ANZ Championships one day.

Bell isn’t really thinking about the long term, she is just really enjoying her netball in 2011.

Both will head to Brisbane in the first week of the September school holidays for state under-17 selection trials.

There will be 150 players at the trials, all from various academy squads around the state.

Next year, both are keen to try out for the academy for a second year, but only 12 players from the Darling Downs under the age of 17 are included.

While the academy squad members will play in the Warwick 14-years representative team in inter-district finals at Laidley tomorrow , nine other Warwick teams will be involved in the same carnival.