Scotland’s U19 Netball Squad Shines at Europe Netball Pilot Event
21st December 2023
In an exciting display of grit, growth, and pure talent, Scotland’s U19 netball squad truly made their mark at Europe Netball’s pilot training event in December 2023.
Head Coach Nikki Lloyd took some time to share her thoughts on the squad’s remarkable performance, the comparison to other home nations, and the exciting future that lies ahead.
Performance Beyond Expectations
Lloyd expressed her immense pride in the squad, remarking, “I am incredibly pleased and proud of the squad’s performance and their determination to learn, grow, and implement our strategies and structures on the court throughout the course of the pilot event.” The squad’s ability to execute strategies and their creative attacking play were standout features. Lloyd commended the players for their grit and determination, particularly during intense moments in matches against Wales and two England sides (U17 & U19).
Unity and Connection
Off the court, the squad’s unity is evident. They enjoyed their time together and were united in their drive to achieve and represent Scotland. This cohesion translated seamlessly onto the court, where their synergy was a key asset.
U19 Scotland Squad take group pic in dressing room before taking to court
Impressive Results
The U19 squad showcased their strength by winning five out of seven games during the competition.
Scotland v Isle of Man: 31-12
Scotland v Wales: 23-9
England U19 vs Scotland: 22-18
Scotland v Northern Ireland: 26-18
Scotland vs Gibraltar: 29-9
England U17 v Scotland: 24-20
Scotland v Rep of Ireland: 18-16
The matches took on a different format from the traditional four quarters of 15 mins each and instead tested the players’ endurance in two halves of 24 mins games.
The squad were exposed to different challenges and opportunities to deliver against their goals and objectives while staying true to their values and style of play. Lloyd mentioned that the performance at this competition has set high expectations for the team moving forward.
A Player’s Perspective
Mid-courter, Mira Tallentire, who played primarily as WA (Wing Attack) with some time at C (Center), shared her insights, saying, “It was a great experience, and we learned as a team throughout the competition. We were challenged physically and mentally, which helped us push through and put out great performances. The score-lines against teams like England really showed our strength as a squad and determination.”
Team huddle at half time – Scotland U19 squad at Europe Netball Pilot U19 training event
A Promising Future
Looking ahead, the future is brimming with exciting prospects for these talented athletes. Netball Scotland has ensured a busy and competitive calendar for 2024, with fixtures against some of the same home nations they faced in the pilot event. The squad is determined to use the confidence and momentum gained to deliver outstanding performances.
The opportunity to play at home, earn their first U19 caps, and compete against strong opponents will be significant milestones for these young athletes. Lloyd, alongside a dedicated management team, is eagerly awaiting the challenges that lie ahead.
With a commitment to continuous improvement and learning from the experience gained at the pilot event, the U19 squad is poised for an exceptional year. The upcoming Europe Netball U17 Championships, the World Youth Cup U21 Qualifying event, and the U19 Europe Netball event in 2024 all promise to be critical opportunities for the development of these aspiring netball stars.
As Scotland’s U19 netball squad continues to grow and evolve, their journey is one to watch, filled with promise and determination. The future of netball in Scotland is indeed in capable hands, as these young athletes march confidently towards their goals and dreams.
