NETBALL SCOTLAND ANNOUNCE THE SCOTTISH THISTLES AND SCOTLAND A SQUADS
24th September 2022
Netball Scotland has named the two squads that will compete in the upcoming international calendar.
Head coach Tamsin Greenway has named the Scottish Thistles and Scotland A squads that will seek to secure a place at the Netball World Cup taking place in Cape Town next July.
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A mix of experienced athletes and exciting new talent is spread across the squads. Commenting on the trials, Greenway says: “Selection was a great opportunity to witness some of the new players really challenge and push the existing group who are constantly striving to push Scottish netball forwards. Having new faces across the squads just shows the competition we are developing for places, and I’m really excited about the talented group I have this season.”
Netball Scotland’s Performance Director Karen Atkinson adds: “The performance programme in Scotland has taken huge strides forwards over recent years, demanding a greater commitment from the players and their understanding of what is required to compete at International Level. It is exciting to see so many players from within the pathway putting their hand up, showing what they are capable of and making the step up to senior level”
Returning to international for the first time since the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Scottish Thistles will step back onto court in front of a home crowd in the five-day European World Cup Qualifiers taking place 12th-16th October at Emirates Arena, Glasgow.
Speaking on the new squads, Greenway comments: “As a group we have high ambitions, but also know that performance takes time. The steps this group have already taken in the past 2 years, the lessons learnt from the Commonwealth Games and the new group of talented athletes putting up their hands up and demanding more just shows we are creating something special. I can’t wait to take this next group on their Thistles journey.”
As the performance programme continues to develop both Atkinson and Greenway recognise the sacrifice involved, the current head coach explains; “We understand that due to lots of different life decisions players need time out and we fully support these athletes in taking time away. International netball is exciting and a huge honour, but also really tough both mentally and physically. We are grateful for the value Ella and Nic have added to the programme over the past few seasons and respect their decision not to put themselves forwards for this year.”
Karen Atkinson adds: “Ella Gibbons and Nic McCleery have decided not to put themselves forward for selection for the forthcoming international calendar, however, the door always remains open for future selection opportunities.”
Closing the chapter on international netball, Hayley Mulheron announced her retirement recently, stating: “The times shared, friendships forged and the incredible success which I have enjoyed have been an extraordinary part of my life. I have had the honour of representing my country and I am very proud of all that I have achieved. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to my netball journey and career. To the coaches who coached me, who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play netball all over the world, I am and will always be grateful.”
Performance Director, Karen Atkinson comments: “We would like to thank Hayley Mulheron for her unwavering commitment to the Scottish Thistles over a period of 15 years, amassing 121 caps. This is an amazing achievement, showing her role as a pivotal member of the squad. We are sure she will continue to have a positive impact on the netball community and wish her all the best in her retirement.”
Head coach, Tamsin Greenway adds: “I would also like to thank Hayley for her contribution and dedication to the Thistles, sadly due to Hayley residing in Australia we were never able to work together, however having played against her over the years I know what a fierce competitor she is and she will be greatly missed on the netball court. I wish her all the very best in the future and her retirement.”
Fans can watch players take to court this Sunday 25th September as part of the SuperCup Finals. There are still tickets available to watch in person at Edinburgh University – available here.
SuperCup Finals can also be watched live or on-demand through Netball Scotland’s brand new streaming channel on Recast – sign up free here.
