New Season, New Opportunity for Scotland’s Rising Talent
27th August 2026
Netball Scotland is delighted to announce the athletes and coaches selected for the 2026/27 U19 and U17 National Programme squads, following a hugely positive selection process involving more than 200 aspiring athletes.
The exceptional turnout reflects the strength and ambition of young netballers across Scotland, with athletes from clubs and districts embracing the opportunity to test themselves, learn and take the next step within the national pathway.
Netball Scotland would like to thank every athlete who attended the recent selection days for the energy, commitment and positivity they brought to the process.
More opportunity to showcase talent
For the first time this season, a two-day trial process was introduced for the U19 and U17 age groups, creating more opportunities for selectors to see athletes in action and allowing players to showcase their netball skills.
Across the two days, athletes were challenged both on and off the court, with the process designed to be a valuable development experience regardless of the final selection outcome.
The young players were also joined by Scottish Thistles squad members Emily Nicholl, Niamh McCall, Erin Bolland and Cerys Finn, giving them the opportunity to learn from senior internationals and gain insight from players who have progressed through the performance pathway themselves.
The trial environment encouraged athletes to meet new teammates, develop their skills, respond to different challenges and experience the standards required within a national programme.
Kath Tetley, Thistles Head Coach and Performance Director, praised both the athletes and the network of coaches who have helped them reach this stage.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the commitment, time and passion displayed by the athletes. The way in which they turned up prepared to trial was impressive.
“I’m grateful to the hundreds of club and district coaches who have supported these netballers to follow their aspirations to trial and grow.”
Strength across Scotland
The quality and geographical spread of athletes attending the programme was another encouraging feature of this year’s selections, with 12 Districts represented across the U19 and U17 squads.
Head of Performance Programme and Thistles Assistant Coach Lesley MacDonald, a former Scotland international who earned 120 caps – including 70 as captain – paid tribute to the work being undertaken throughout clubs and districts to develop the next generation.
“We were really pleased with the move to a two-day trial. It allowed us to see more of each athlete, and we saw good progress from the first day to the second.
“The quality of athlete across the two age groups was very high, and we would like to thank their club and district coaches for their nominations to the programme.
“With 12 Districts represented across the U19 and U17 squads, we also want to congratulate the athletes, their supporters and their District coaches for working so hard to develop their skills both on and off the court.”
The next step in the pathway
Selection marks the beginning of the next stage for the U19 and U17 squads as they begin their 2026/27 programmes.
For those selected, the season ahead will provide further opportunities to train within a national environment, develop alongside some of Scotland’s leading young players and continue progressing through the Scottish performance pathway.
Netball Scotland also recognises the achievement of every athlete who put themselves forward for selection. With more than 200 young players participating, this year’s trials demonstrated both the depth of emerging talent and the growing ambition within the game across Scotland.
Congratulations to everyone selected for the 2026/27 U19 and U17 National Programme squads – and thank you to every athlete, coach, club, district and supporter who contributed to such a positive selection experience.
U19s Squad and Staff
Lily Boden, Keira Campbell-Cornish, Sophie Craig, Rachel Cramb, Mary Dickson, Bethan Downie, Kate Farmer, Emma Farmer, Issy Ferguson, Ally Howitt, Onomen Ibhanesebhor, Thea Ibidun, Ella Johnson, Charlotte Miller, Sophia Perkins, Diana Peters, Elise Pitty, Zara Pottinger, Hannah Proudfoot, Corinna Scott, Emily Shannon, Eva Sneddon, Ava Vickers, Roma Wilson.
Head Coach – Nikki Lloyd, Assistant Coach – Louisa Walker, Assistant Coach- Frances Youngson, Team Manager- Bryan McAlpine
U17s Squad and Staff
Emily Allott, Iris Browne, Martha Cartwright, Caitlin Chambers, Orla Easdon, Nikki Echeng, Skye Ferguson, Lola Ferris, Eleanor Goodall, Naomi Green, Halle Hepburn, Sophia Hollis, Freya Hook, Zara Hossack, Sofia Huerta-Aban, Connie Knox, Millie Lindsay, Jamelia Moore, Anna Murdoch, Ciara Pratt, Ellie Rafferty, Harriet Rankin, Lilia Sheed, Harriet Shorrock, Juliette Verstraelen, Sian Vickers.
Head Coach – Sheryl Braidwood, Assistant Coach – Rhona Barnes, Assistant Coach – Tayler Wilkinson, Team Manager – Alyson Love, Assistant Team Manager – Fiona Walker
Make sure to stay up to date with all our Pathway news, team lists and further information at: https://www.netballscotland.com/national-teams/performance-pathway/
