PAUL CLARKE, STAR Writer

Western Bureau:

MARVA Bernard, president of Netball Jamaica is talking up the Sunshine Girls' chances of finally breaking into the top two of world netball.

Bernard, who delivered an address at Tuesday's launch of the St James Under-12 competition, told STAR Sports the time is ripe for Jamaica to leave a major championship with a gold medal.

sponsorship deals

Jamaica has never finished higher than third in any senior international competition, but with a string of impressive sponsorship deals now reached, the association boss is hoping it translates into meaningful victories later this year.

The Girls' next big assignment is the International Netball Federation's World Cup to be held in Sydney, Australia, from August 7-16.

Preparations have been steadily on track and with sponsorship seemingly now a non-issue, Bernard believes the girls are primed to shake up the established Australia, New Zealand duopoly.

"We expect the girls to come back home from the World Cup with a medal, hopefully a gold medal. It will not be easy but we are preparing well and with all hands on deck, I strongly believe it is achievable," she said.

The national programme is in a good state at the moment.

Twelve primary schools are down to participate in the Under-12 competition, the first of its kind in St James.

Bernard used the occasion to motivate the young players.

"This is where it all begins; it is grassroots netball that will be the changing force in the sport in years to come and these youngsters are indeed the future of Jamaica's netball programme," she said.

St James produced top level netballers over the years, including goal shooter Jhaneile Fowler-Reid.