The cream of netball talent will be in Dunedin contesting the annual South Island secondary schools tournament next week.
It is believed to be one of the biggest secondary school tournaments in the country.
Eighty teams (about 800 pupils) from 78 schools will contest the 50th edition of the tournament.
Otago regional manager Nicki Paterson said for every team of 10 players, up to another 12 people would travel to Dunedin in a support role, whether as part of the coaching and management staff, or just proud parents, relations and friends.
"It is the 50th year so it is a bit of a celebration," Paterson said.
"Basically, the South Island tournament led the way, with the North Island copying the concept."
Planning the tournament has been "quite full on" but there is an executive committee chaired by Robyn Broughton and everyone is well-versed in what needs to be done and when.
Timaru's Craighead Diocesan won the tournament last season and has drawn Dunstan High School in the opening round on Monday morning.
Dunedin's Columba College, coached by Steel and New Zealand under-21 coach Janine Southby, finished third last season and shapes as the strongest of the local teams.
Southland Girls' has made big strides and Nelson's Waimea College and Christchurch schools Rangi Ruru Girls' and St Margaret's are traditional heavyweights.
Teams change so much from year to year, Paterson said, but those schools shaped as the teams to beat once again.
