JAMAICA’S Sunshine Girls began preparations for their busy four-month schedule with a training camp held at their netball house, the ‘Sunshine Chalet’ in Barbican, St Andrew, at the weekend.

The three-day camp, which began last Friday, was geared at honing the team’s physical and mental strengths, as well as formulating different strategies for the hectic season ahead.

The team went through a rigorous training schedule comprising court workouts, athletic training and strength fitness. Psychologist Dr Leahcim Semaj was also on hand to help the team with the mental aspects of its game. The team ended the camp with a match against the male netball team at the National Stadium Courts.

Coach Connie Francis was extremely pleased with how the camp went and feels the team is well on its way in preparing for the busy four months ahead.

“It was a very good camp, the girls put in a lot of hard work and after the training everyone was happy,” she said. She added that there were a few ‘hiccups’ from the girls that needed to be worked on, but that they will work through them as time progresses.

Francis was also impressed with the rookie players in the camp based on their hard work, dedication and commitment displayed.

With Simone Forbes taking an indefinite break from the sport, the coach believes young players such as Nordia Hanson and Crystal Gordon could fill the void that Forbes will leave behind. She also said there could be some surprises when the team is named for the upcoming tour.

“We’re setting the tone for our players and we’re ensuing that there won’t be a big gap that needs to be filled when some of our seasoned players decide to retire,” said Francis.

The team will hold another training camp at Newcastle, St Andrew, from June 18-20.