Two keen young netballers are still smiling after last night leading Waikato/Bay of Plenty Kia Magic and Canterbury Mainland Tactix players on to the court at ASB Arena.

Tahatai Coast School pupil Xaylier Mannington, 10, and Brookfield Primary School pupil Shayvaughn Hotene-Marks, nine, also got up close and personal with the teams' captains after winning the opportunity through the ANZ Future Captains competition.

Magic captain Casey Kopua with Future Captains Xaylier Mannington and Shayvaughn Hotene-Marks and Tactix captain Anna Thompson. Photo: John Cowpland /Photosport.

The girls flew the team flags on court at the game, which saw Magic come out on top 74-56.

Xaylier's favourite part was watching Magic captain Casey Kopua and shooters Jo Harten and Ellen Halpenny I action.

'It was really exciting and a good opportunity for me to see what it's like to be on the court. I want to be a Magic player when I grow up.

'Everything in my whole entire life is about netball.”

Shayvaughn, who carried the Tactix flag, felt happy standing on court with the players.

'My favourite player is Casey Kopua and meeting her was freaky. It was cool watching the shooters in the game because I like shooting too.”

ANZ head of sponsorship Susan McGregor says many young netball fans aspire to play in the elite trans-Tasman tournament and being a Future Captain gives them a taste of what it's like in the spotlight.

'We're giving 66 children from across New Zealand the chance to be a Future Captain at an ANZ Championship game this season. Winners get the opportunity to rub shoulders with the world's top netball players, which is a once in a lifetime experience.”