The half-time whistle blows and the Belmont Intermediate School netballers gather together in a team huddle. In the centre of the group is a face familiar to most New Zealanders.

But to these budding young netballers, she’s just the coach they’ve known since they were little.

This week, television and radio presenter Toni Street swapped the studio for the sidelines at the Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga.

“I’ve known most of these girls since they were in Year 2,” Street said. “We have worked towards this all year and to get here is just so exciting. We’re having the best week.”

One player has known the netball coach her entire life.

Wearing the wing-attack bib, Street’s daughter Juliette France races across the courts in her first-ever Zespri AIMS Games.

“Unfortunately, Juliette couldn’t come to AIMS Games last year because she was playing Matilda in the musical. We, as a family, missed it because she was right in the middle of the show,” Street said.

“So it’s the first time for all of us and it’s just really cool being able to be part of it.”

Juliette said the experience has been “super awesome”.

“We get to meet lots of new people and play teams we haven’t played before, so it’s been a good experience for everyone. We even played a team from Fiji.”

Street said the Belmont netball team was excited to be part of what has become a pinnacle sporting event for intermediate schools.

Belmont Intermediate School netball team at the Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga. Photo / Michael Bradley

“Having a tournament like AIMS is so important because it sets them up for what’s to come,” she said.

“We always had targeted AIMS as something that we wanted to not just compete in, but we’re aiming for that top four.

“What’s really cool is you’re getting to see competition across the country.”

Michaela Topolsky, 13, said she loved having Street as their coach.

“She’s always giving advice. She’s super supportive and is everything you need as a coach.”

Street said it was also the “little touches” of official opening ceremonies, music pumping between games, and the lessons learned off court that made AIMS special.

“It’s the lessons of getting up early, acting as a team, supporting the rest of your teammates,” she said.

“It’s all those little lessons that I think only sport can teach you.”

Netball is one of 27 sporting codes offered at the Zespri AIMS Games this year, with about 150 netball teams competing at the week-long intermediate-age sporting showcase.

–Zoe Hunter, AIMS Games Media