Hoornweg, who led the Vixens in five seasons of the trans-Tasman netball competition before stepping down in 2012, traveled to Ballarat for the training run.

“Julie has coached world champions including Sharelle McMahon, Madi Robinson and Geva Mentor, but still has a place for junior development in her busy schedule,” academy head coach Jo Dash said.

The emphasis of the academy is on learning and the teaching of solid, basic netball skills.

Its 24 members – aged between 12-16 – will continue to develop these basics over the remaining seven weeks of the program in 2016.