NS News Pathways

Future Thistles & Thistles Unite for Selection of National Pathway Squads

3rd October 2025

Netball Scotland is incredibly pleased and proud to announce the athletes of the U17s & U19s National Pathways Programs squads and their coaches.

The athletes of the U19s & U17s program have been announced today following their recent selection day.

Netball Scotland wishes to acknowledge and thank the 160+ athletes who have embraced the opportunity to trial for the U19s and U17s National Program Squads which can be a daunting personal challenge for some players, and we wish to congratulate everyone on the energy and positivity in the experience.

On the day the athletes were joined by four of the nation’s best netballers and member of the Scottish Thistles National Squad; Emily Nicholl, Niamh McCall, Erin Bolland and Rachel Conway.

“Attending selection trials can be quite daunting but in my netball journey I have learnt that you become great when you step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself,” said Nicholl, a current Thistles with 54 Test Caps.

“Trials are a great learning opportunity: you get to meet possible future team mates, watch more experienced players and test yourself in the match play component. The Thistles players were really impressed by the standard of trials and remain confident that the future of Scottish netball is in safe hands.”

The Scottish Thistles Assistant Coach – former Thistle with 120 caps and 72 caps as Captain of Scotland – Lesley MacDonald, paid tribute to the coaches of Districts for the quality of the players coming through the pathway.

“We were really happy with the athletes on the day, and the match play for selection process – and this is thanks to what our District coaches are doing in their areas.  Huge credit to them for this.”

“We have 12 Districts represented across the U19s & U17s squads and we want to congratulate the players, their supporters and their District & Club coaches for working so hard to grow their skills both on and off the court.”

The 19s staff will feature Lindsay Filitia (Head Coach) with Frances Youngson (Assistant Coach) and Leanne McIvor (Assistant Coach) while the 17s will have Nikki Lloyd (Head Coach), Rhona Barnes (Assistant Coach) and Bryan McAlpine (Team Manager) leading the way.

*There is a late selection trial scheduled for October

19s Squad

17s Squad