Full Steam Ahead: Scotland Under 21’s prepare for Gibraltar 2025
20th August 2025
Twenty nations will contest the 2025 edition of the Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC) which will be held for the first time since 2017 after Covid forced the cancellation of the 2021 event in Fiji. Gibraltar features two venues on the tiny principality that will host matches and the Scottish team will fancy their chances of a deep run at the event.
The Scottish team qualified after an unbeaten five match run at the European Qualifying tournament in September last year. While there has been a mountain of netball played between now and then, the Opening Ceremony is now within sight and Mackellar’s focus remains laser sharp.
We sat down recently with Head Coach of the Scottish Under 21’s Netball team Hayley Mackellar to discuss how preparations are progressing for the NWYC to be held in Gibraltar next month.
How would you describe the preparations to this point and are you happy with where the team is at?
“We’re in a really strong place heading into the final phase of our preparations. The squad has been building well, and the last block of training will be about fine-tuning, making sure our combinations are sharp, decision-making is instinctive, and players are confident in their roles.”
How difficult was the process of selecting the final 12?
“It’s always the toughest part of the job. We’ve had exceptional commitment from every athlete in the wider squad, and the margins were incredibly fine. The selection panel considered not just form and fitness, but also how players fit into the tactical plan, their versatility, and their ability to perform under pressure.
Delivering disappointing news is never easy, but I’m proud of how every player has handled it, and those outside the 12 will still play a huge role in supporting the team’s preparation.”
Your Pool B Matches will be against Samoa, Northern Ireland, Australia and Singapore. Is there a particular game you have highlighted as crucial?
“Every game is vital — you can’t afford to underestimate anyone at this level. That said, we’ve highlighted a couple of fixtures where the style of opposition will test our structures in different ways, and those matches will be key in setting the tone for the tournament. We’ll approach each contest with the same intensity, but we know there are certain match-ups where execution will have to be flawless.”
What does the final month prior to the tournament look like from your perspective?
“Our next 30 days will feature match play whilst continuing to build our structure and strategies. We will also focus on recovery and mental preparation so we arrive in Gibraltar fresh but battle ready.”
In summary, how do you feel about this squad and the support team around them?
“I am exceptionally proud of the work ethic, resilience, and togetherness this group has shown. Our support staff, families, and wider netball community have been incredible in helping us get to this point. We’re representing not just ourselves, but everyone who’s been part of the journey and we can’t wait to get out there and show what we can do.”
The team will begin their campaign against Samoa on Saturday 20 September at 11.00am GMT. Pool matches will continue through Wednesday 24 September before playoff matches begin the following day. Broadcast details will follow soon.
The full schedule for the tournament can be found here;
