My time as Team Liaison:

Firstly I would like to say how well this event was organised, due to excellent planning and preparation that had taken place months prior.

The series introduced a shortened, faster version of netball where rule changes including rolling substitutions, shooting from outside the circle and power plays and tested fitness, technical ability and tactical awareness.

Congratulations to the funding partners, Federation, title sponsor, official partners, event director Nicola Moloney and the Champions, 'The Silver Ferns'

My first insight into the role was at a meeting at which i received two mobile phones (one for me and one for the NZ team), also my uniform which was much too big(Ilooked like a clown - definitely need an exchange) and the itinerary for the week ahead.

I was really excited and looking forward to the week, yet apprehensive. Prior to their arrival, I had collected practice balls from Belle Vue and visited the training venue.

My first task was to meet and greet the team at the airport. After 30 hours of travelling, the NZ team looked exhausted yet still smiling!

The daily routine for the next eight days were as follows:

Training venue:
Make sure each morning that the netball post covers were in place for start of training, 8am - 10am & 1pm - 3pm

Ensure at every session that there was 15 litres of water at courtside.

Arrange swim lane at Aquatics Centre.

Manchester Evening News Arena:
Attend surface training

Attend opeining rehearsal

Ensure their practice time on court

Attend autograph sessions

Ensure drinks(water) & ice are in changing room after each match

Stay and ensure transport is available in the event a player is required for a drug test.

Hotel:
Check daily schedule - meal times

Transport & meeting rooms

Arrange ice for training venue

Laundry

Social:

Visit Manchester United training venue

Offical dinner at Manchester Town Hall

Accompany team on any offical outings

Most evenings had already been arranged by the Operations Manager, including interviews with the film crew from NZ.

Even though it was early starts and late finishes, the week passed so quickly. The training and practice matches were pure magic. All the team were really friendly and made me really feel that i was part of their squad. it was very long hours but so rewarding.

On Friday at the start of the tournament, the team were buzzing. The arena looked amazing and the girls were ready for action!

The day passed so quick and I got to see all the games with the other team liaisons in block 115.

Saturday was pretty much the same apart from Autograph signing for the NZ team - lots of fans queuing! the day went really quickly again.

Finals day Sunday and the Silver Ferns are through to the semi finals against Australia. I could barely watch the game but was ecstatic at the result and that they had made the final. I was over the moon.

The final was truly amazing, they were fantastic, just like i had seen them in training all week. After all the celebrations of their win on court, I met the girls on the way back to the changing room. There were lots of hugs and my feet barely touched the floor! Back at the hotel we celebrated in style and exchanged gifts.

I met some lovely people and met lots of new firends including Esther the Operations Manager, who was such a lovely genuine person and i must say, extremely organised person, which made my job so much easier. I hope that I will go to NZ in the future and watch them play again.

I cannot describe this amazing experience to the full extent. It truly was an honour being part of the Silver Ferns. The week was amazing and went far better than I expected. The NZ squad demonstrate the true meaning of 'team work' and each person is fully valued in their contribution and in my opinion, this is why they will always remain at the top!

I will certainly miss them all but will follow their progress and look forward to their return in 2010.

Jackie Brown

Check out the gallery for more fantastic action shots!!