Matthew Tate is looking forward to playing netball for Australia later this year.
By Callan Date
MATTHEW Tate says he is used to the occasional smart remark about his chosen sport.
But those who have a go at Tate’s desire to play netball have little idea that the Hallam resident is good enough to play for Australia.
Although he has only played the game for the past five years – Tate first played netball in a social mixed team – the 23-year-old will travel to New Zealand in October to take part in an under 23 Trans-Tasman Cup event.
The mid-court player, who played junior football for nine years, said he was encouraged to try out for the state team after a close friend was selected to play for Victoria.
“We had try-outs over three weeks and I got selected for the Vic team,” Tate said.
“We went over to WA in April and played and then I got asked to try-out for the Australian team.”
Tate said the team is scheduled to play matches in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch, along with several practice games in the lead-up to the main event.
“We might be playing the Silver Ferns (New Zealand’s senior female national team) in a match,” he said.
The qualified mechanic said he was on the end of a bit of friendly banter from his colleagues while in the workshop.
“They tell me I’m soft. They all have a bit of a laugh and tell me to go put my skirt on,” Tate said with a chuckle.
Tate said the NZ trip was going to cost him about $3000 – money he was trying to raise by offering the community something in return.
“My girlfriend’s parents have a gym and they have offered to run $10 fitness classes and put the money towards my trip,” he said.
Tate said interested people could come down to WAM Personal Training in Narre Warren this Saturday at 1pm and get a solid one-hour workout with a qualified instructor.
He said similar classes would also take place on 4 August and 1 September.
“I just don’t want to take people’s money off them. I want to give them something in return,” Tate said.
Anyone wanting more information about the fitness class can call 9704 7030.
