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.

Head Coach Tamsin Greenway Expresses Confidence in her squad.

In a thrilling lead-up to the Netball World Cup, the Scottish Thistles have left no stone unturned. With a blend of match play training, sports psychology, and team bonding, the Thistles have evolved into a formidable force, ready to make their mark on the international stage.

As the excitement builds, Tamsin Greenway reflects on the rapid progress of her team, stating,

“Camp 5 I mean blink and you miss it, I did say at the start it was going to absolutely fly by and it has. However, we’re really well prepared, we’ve had a great build-up, it’s nice to get against the game against Wales last week.”

09.07.23 – Welsh Feathers v Scottish Thistles, Netball World Cup Warm-up Match –

These camps have been a culmination of months of meticulous planning and hard work, ensuring that the Thistles are equipped to challenge. As the Scottish Thistles brace themselves for the Netball World Cup, they set their sights on challenging for 5th-8th position, exemplifying that success, for them, means leaving an indelible mark and claiming their rightful spot among the top teams on the world stage.

Match play training has been a key focus for the Scottish Thistles, honing their skills and strategies. With intense internal competitions pushing players to new heights, Greenway has witnessed a significant transformation within the group.

“There has been such a change in this group, and the World Cup seems like such an apt time now to go out and take another step in the right direction,” she exclaims. The Thistles’ growth has been carefully nurtured through Netball Scotland’s pathway and development programs, showcasing the strength of the netball community in Scotland.

As the Thistles prepare to face formidable opponents like the Malawi, Barbados and England, they exude confidence and unity. “I don’t think the intensity will ever drop, they are shifting as a group mentally and physically which is really, really good. I think they are happy in terms of they know what we’re doing, we know our plan when we get out there, we know the games we want to target, we know how we are going to handle our outcomes,” Greenway asserts. The team is set to display the fruits of their labor, with a seamless blend of experienced players and fresh talent, ensuring a promising future for netball in Scotland.

“We’ve got 7 players who have never been to a world cup so there is all of that to take on board as well, but the whole thing we’ve been trying to do here is build something sustainable and long term. We’ve got a whole group here that can do this world cup but can probably do another two. We’re starting to create something really special, some special groups and special players and what I’d like this senior group to do is go out and stamp their authority to show this next group coming through what it’s all about.”

Netball Scotland, along with fans and supporters, eagerly anticipates the forthcoming World Cup. The belief in the Scottish Thistles’ potential to leave a lasting legacy and inspire the next generation aligns perfectly with the governing body’s vision. As the team steps onto the global stage, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a nation, united in celebrating netball and the exceptional journey of the Scottish Thistles.