Illawarra's finest young netballers take on the state's best in the State Age Championships at Baulkham Hills Association this weekend.
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The three-day titles feature 294 teams from 83 associations across NSW, with Illawarra in the elite Championship division in 12 Years, 13 Years, 14 Years and 15 Years.
Each Illawarra team will play 19 games and expectations are high following a strong preparation and impressive results at last year's titles, in which Berkeley hosted the elite Championship grade.
Last year the Illawarra's 12 Years side finished an excellent fifth, and are targeting a top five finish in the 13 Years this year.
The Illawarra 13s were equal first in Division Two in 2014 to earn promotion to Championship and are aiming for a top 10 finish in the 14s.
The Illawarra 14s were eighth in 2014 and along with this year's debutant 12 Years team they have done well in the lead-up carnivals to suggest they'll perform at their best in the premier event of the season.
"Our aim is top ten in all grades with the 13s hoping for top five," Illawarra netball publicity officer Cath Jones said. "The girls and their coaches have put in a tremendous effort at the carnivals and at training. It's an exciting time for everyone."
Kiama Association will have a Division 2 team in the 13s and 15s age divisions at the championships, with Shoalhaven to have a Division 2 side in the 12s, 13s and 15s, plus a Division 3 team in the 14s competition.
The defending Championship division winners are Manly-Warringah (12 Years), Newcastle (13 Years), Liverpool City (14 Years) and Sutherland (15 Years).
With close to 300 teams competing, the championships are so big they are hosted by four associations with Illawarra playing all their matches in the blue-ribbon Championship at Baulkham Hills.
Eastwood Ryde will host Division 2, Penrith Division 3, with Hawkesbury City to run the Division 4 titles.
The State Age Championships were first held in 1968 and have grown into one of the largest junior female sporting events in Australia each year.
Baulkham Hills, Manly-Warringah, Liverpool City and Sutherland have been among the top associations in recent years.