NETBALL – Some of Australias top young netball talent have come together on the Gold Coast this week for the 2016 National Indigenous Schoolgirls Carnival.

The competition runs over six days and nights and while there is plenty of focus on the competitive side of the game, the social side of the game will also be an important part of the week.

Teams from all Australian state and territories will compete in four age divisions in the tournament that is run by the Budgies Australian Netball Indigenous Corporation.

Budgies Treasurer Deb Farrell says there are plenty of further opportunities for girls competing at the championships with Australian Indigenous teams to be selected in under 12 and under 18 divisions to compete in national and international competitions.

Ms Farrell says the long term goal of the competition is to help the girls to gain the skills and experience they