McLeod Makes Debut at Netball Youth World Cup in Gibraltar

Kayla McLeod is set to officiate at the Netball Youth World Cup in Gibraltar, marking her debut at a world tournament. The competition begins on March 15, 2024, and McLeod joins fellow New Zealand umpires Zak Middleton, Cory Nicholls, Myron Elkington, and Tania Fink for this prestigious event.

With a background in high-performance sport, McLeod has been an umpire in the ANZ Premiership since 2018 and has officiated at various international events, including the Pacific Series. Her excitement stems from the opportunity to officiate at the under-21 level, where she will encounter diverse styles of play from 20 participating teams, including Malawi, Tonga, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia.

Embracing the Challenge of Youth Netball

“From one game to the next, you’re going to come across new styles of play, so that’s really exciting for me,” McLeod stated. “There’s the unpredictability of their play as well; every game you don’t know what you’re going to get.”

McLeod’s journey into umpiring began later in life. About 15 years ago, while officiating a local game, she caught the eye of former Australian international umpire Paula Ferguson. Ferguson recognized McLeod’s potential and reached out to former New Zealand international umpire Colleen Bond, a long-serving mentor in the sport. “The rest is history,” McLeod said, crediting Bond for her invaluable guidance and support.

Bond’s encouragement helped McLeod to progress through the ranks, allowing her to realize her potential. “She just believed in me and that made me believe in myself,” McLeod recalled. “I certainly would not be here today if it were not for her.”

Commitment to the Sport and Community

Since beginning her career in the ANZ Premiership eight years ago, McLeod has acknowledged the challenges of officiating at high levels but views it as a privilege. “It’s got its challenges, but I have found that I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of that along the way,” she explained. McLeod aims to showcase players effectively, ensuring that spectators enjoy the game.

Beyond her personal achievements, McLeod values the relationships she has formed through umpiring. “I’ve made some life-long friends,” she noted, emphasizing the incredible people she has met both in New Zealand and internationally. Her commitment extends to her local community in Queenstown, where she continues to umpire games and coach junior umpires, sharing her knowledge and encouraging others to pursue their sporting dreams.

McLeod acknowledged the geographical challenges of coming from a smaller town like Queenstown, where access to high-level games can be limited. Yet she believes that determination can overcome these obstacles. “If you have the drive and determination, you can make it happen,” she asserted. “It’s no barrier to actually getting to where you want to go if you want it enough.”

Representing New Zealand at the Youth World Cup will be Ella Southby, a shooter from University-Albion, while her clubmate Alice Cocker will compete for Tonga. Additional New Zealand representatives include Southern Steel players Serina Daunakamakama and Khayne-Lii’ Munro-Nonoa, who has been named vice-captain, alongside former Southern Blast players Losa Fifita and Laura Balmer.

As the tournament commences, McLeod looks forward to the unique experiences and challenges that officiating at the Youth World Cup will bring. Her journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of pursuing one’s passion, regardless of background.