England, Scotland, and Wales competed in a Performance Competition Camp in Sheffield EIS Arena on 27-30 July, with England’s youngsters collecting bronze and gold medals. England Netball reports that youth teams from the three nations came together to gain experience of a competitive environment.
The England squad consisted of three sides, including two U19 teams and an U21 side. Four games were played over three days, to simulate the format of international competitions. The teams also familiarised themselves with off-court scenarios in the camp. 10 of England’s players will be eligible for the 2025 tournament in Gibraltar.
For 16 of the 42 young athletes, it was their first experience of representing their country at any level, the article reports. Others have already gained a profile in the sport, such as Vitality Netball Superleague champion Alice Harvey, and Bethan Goodwin, the Scottish star of the 2019 Vitality Netball Cup.
England’s U19 teams were led by Head Coach Sheonah Forbes and Assistant Francine Hall, with the two teams playing as Black and White. The England U19 side captained by Emma Raynor defeated the U19 White side, captained by Hannah Diamond, to win a place in the third place play-off.
The U19 Black side went on to defeat the Wales U21 team by a score of 60-21, to take the bronze medal. The England U21 side were managed by head coach Victoria Burgess and Assistant Colette Thomson. The side, who played in red, and were captained by Lightning’s Hannah Williams, won all four of their games.
England U21 went on to play a Scottish side who fielded players with international experience, such as Goodwin, and Nicola McCleery. The English team defeated the Scots 46-26. The players and staff alike all performed brilliantly, and gained a valuable insight both on and off the court into the world of international competitive netball.
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