The former Australian ace enjoyed a hectic afternoon as 120 of the region’s talents converged on the Sports Dome.

“I’ve been to Tamworth a number of times during the years, but never to coach,” Ellis said.

“This is the first time I’m working with the kids.

“Telstra got in touch with me and said they wanted to take some clinics to regional areas.

“We had a look on the map, where the talent is and Tamworth was one of three places we chose.

“I’m rapt we are here, I heard about this facility and the Tamworth juniors, and how much they love their netball here.

“We’re going to Lismore in a couple of weeks and then Bathurst in April.”

Ellis has long had a passion for coaching, having run clinics for more than two decades.

“I’ve coached about 30,000 kids since I started doing clinics in 1997,” she said.

Ellis believes there is no better time to be involved with netball as the sport grows in stature due to the new Suncorp Super Netball competition.

“The skills I’m going to work on with them are no different to their coaches,” she said.

“I just hope I can show the kids when they meet me that I’m a normal person and there is nothing stopping them realising their dream to be a professional netballer.

“I was a spectator for three games and worked on the other one (of Super Netball).

“The first round was beyond expectations and it was great to see it rated well.”

Ellis, a member of the Channel 9 commentary team, said the influence of the renowned sports station would only serve the sport well into the future.

“When I was a little kid the Wide World of Sports team was the ultimate, so to commentate (for them) is so exciting,” she said.

“I’ve always believed netball is a great television sport and especially when it is done properly.”

Tamworth Netball Association’s Jody Kent said Ellis proved a big hit.

“To have 120 kids for this clinic with Liz is great,” Kent said.