Magic is sharpening their game at Wintec

New Zealand’s favourite netball team is back, and they are sharpening their game at Wintec.

The Splice Construction Magic team with Wintec Sport Science and Human Performance staff during pre-season testing at Wintec.

The Splice Construction Magic team are doing their pre-season preparation for the ANZ premiership at the Wintec Centre for Sport Science and Human Performance in Hamilton.
Kiwis have been missing their sport fix during COVID-19 and netball and rugby are two of the first sports to return to play.

Coach Amigene Metcalfe says it has been a tough few months for the team, but they are now building back up for their first game in Auckland against the Northern Mystics on 19 June.

“None of the players had access to gym facilities or equipment during lockdown so their strength training was mostly body weight based. Our usual gym training facility was no longer available after lockdown due to their own Health & Safety regulations, so the fact that Wintec has accommodated us and our needs so willingly has been invaluable.”

Wintec Director Sport Science and Human Performance, Greg Smith says hosting the nation’s favourite netball team at the Rotokauri campus is partly due to strong relationships with alumni. Magic Coach, Amigene Metcalfe and Strength and Conditioning Coach, Barrie Jennings are Wintec Sport Science and Human Performance graduates, and Performance Manager, Ruth Aitken is a Wintec honorary degree recipient.

“It’s great to be part of the re-start to competitive sport right now and yes, we do have a connection, but we’ve also got excellent facilities for them to utilise.

“To be competitive, our athletes rely on the best and latest advice. It’s nice to be able to play a part in that,” says Smith.

Splice Construction Magic has started on a four-week training block at Wintec Centre for Sport Science and Human Performance.

“We already had a really strong relationship with Wintec and their support of our Performance Pathway programme, but it’s great to now be able to link in the Splice Construction Magic team,” adds Metcalfe.

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