SIX local netball coaches will have their certification upgraded during a six-week intensive course to be conducted by former Australia national coach J

ill McIntosh this June through August.

National Under-21 coach C Lloyd Walker and his assistant in the Development Squad Marvette Anderson, Under-13 squad coach Marvette Briscoe, Under-16 head coach Minneth Reynolds, former senior coach and national player Oberon Pitterson, and former Under-21 coach Janet Guy will be upgraded to Jamaica Badge Awards, the highest certification for a local netball coach.

Chairman of the Jamaica Netball Association’s (JNA) selection and coaching committee, Paula Daley-Morris says the aim is to have 10 persons certified by the end of McIntosh’s visit.

Sunshine Girls coach Connie Francis was awarded the Jamaica Badge during McIntosh’s last coaching visit two years ago.

While in Jamaica, McIntosh will also conduct national seminars on Fastnet netball, as well as a six-week training session with coaches and players.

McIntosh, who conditioned Australia to world championship titles in 1995 and 1999 and was herself a member of the country’s winning team in 1983, will conduct eight classroom sessions, which will include modules on research, coaching and the law, as well as design programmes for players with special needs.

Two Fastnet seminars are set, one for Eastern Jamaica on July 3 and the other in Western Jamaica on July 17.

McIntosh, who arrives in the island on June 24 and leaves on August 7, will also work with the senior Sunshine Girls to prepare for their busy four-month schedule starting with their August tour of Australia and New Zealand.

The Australian will be aiding the players in their recovery over the four-month period which will also include a two test home series against England, the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India and the Fastnet World Series in Manchester, England.