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Competition formed to assist St James’ netball development
May 12, 2025
In a bid to facilitate students moving from deep rural St James to participate in tournaments in downtown Montego Bay, La Toya Calvin-Williams has created the QEC33 (Quality Education Circle) Netball League for young netballers.
The league began on Friday, May 2 with five teams contesting the opening rally.
Calvin-Williams, a master teacher of physical education, told STAR Sports that they hope to provide more competitions for junior players.
"The main objective is to develop sports in the QEC. The lack of resources and transportation cost were the main reasons why I created the league," she said.
"The students know and love the game, so we are giving them a platform where they can actually showcase these talents and skills," added Calvin-Williams, who started hosting netball rallies three years ago.
Schools from the rural areas of the parish hardly participate in the league in Montego Bay, but Calvin-Williams said the understanding of the sport is improving.
"We want to build a camaraderie within the QEC so that we have students socialising and interacting differently. We want to encourage them to show their talents and skills."
Calvin-Williams said students are understanding the sport better and she wants students and the teachers involved to know more about the rules and regulations.
President of the St James Netball Association Gina Haughton said they will support all netball being played in the parish.
Three teams in the St James Municipal Primary Netball Competition are also playing in the QEC33 league, so Haughton has set fixtures to facilitate that competition.
In the season opening rally, first-time winners Lethe Primary and Infant defeated last year's winners and hosts Anchovy Primary 4-3 in a close game.
Shanice Kelly, coach of Lethe, is delighted with the introduction of the league.
"I am seeing more zeal and eagerness for the sport. The students want to learn more, and I am happy about that. The schools will get to visit other schools, so that is good because of the round robin format. A student of mine who hardly talks is now developing her social skills, and that is a good thing," said Kelly, whose team is also participating in the St James Municipal Primary Netball League.
"I am beyond impressed with the improvement of the students. Parents are proud and come to the matches to give encouragement and support," Kelly added.
Six schools are on board - Lethe, Chester Castle Primary, St Mary's Prep, Catadupa Primary, Anchovy Primary and Roehampton Primary.
The league is divided into two groups, with home and away games. The two top teams in each group will play in the final. If a school does not have a suitable netball court, they will use a court that is in close proximity.
"A school like Catadupa doesn't have a court, but you would marvel when you see them play," Calvin-Williams said.
The competition continues today at 10 a.m., when St Mary's will host Lethe. In another match at 11: 30 a.m., Chester Castle will play Anchovy.
