The England U17s are determined to do not only themselves but everyone back home proud as they get ready to set off on tour to Australia.
The Young Roses will be based at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra from 26th September to 6th October 2018.
During this time, they’ll have the opportunity to test themselves in a number of matches against Australian U17 teams and New Zealand U18 Secondary Schools team – an opportunity the England side are relishing!
Captain Jasmin said: “I’m so excited to be heading out to Australia this week.
“The team has been putting in a lot of hard work in training over the last few weeks and I can’t wait to put everything we’ve learnt into practice on court!”
Vice-captain Millie agreed: “Training has been going great – all the girls have been giving it 110%, we’ve learnt so much and I can’t wait for us all to implement this on the court!
“I am so excited to go on tour and I’m expecting big things from the girls in Australia and know we will do the country and everyone proud.”
For some of the athletes, this will be their first time on tour.
Kemi said: “I’m really excited and proud to be representing England for the first time in Australia!
“So far it’s been a brilliant experience playing with an amazing group of girls and I can’t wait to get over there!”
Head Coach Victoria Burgess is also looking forward to getting going and is certain that the tour will be hugely beneficial to the athletes’ development.
She commented: “This tour is a great opportunity for the U17 athletes to train and compete within a highly competitive and demanding environment.
“I am looking forward to working with the U17 tour squad and I know the experience will provide the Young Roses with learning opportunities on and off the court.”
Due to an injury sustained in training, Sienna Rushton is unable to fly to Canberra to take part in the tour.
As reserve, Shelby Harris has replaced Sienna in the shooting circle and will be travelling with the squad on Tuesday.
We would like to wish Sienna a speedy recovery.
Ella Standring has also withdrawn from the U17 tour squad to Australia.
After a selection meeting, Yasmin Roebuck was the nominated centre court replacement for this upcoming tour.
The squad travelling to Canberra is as follows:
Kemi Afolayan (London Pulse), Alice Currie (Team Northumbria), Olufunmilayo Fadoju (London Pulse), Beth Gabriel (Severn Stars), Shelby Harris (Surrey Storm), Jessica Haynes (London Pulse), Suzie Liverseidge (Mavericks), Berri Neil (Manchester Thunder), Jasmin Odeogberin (London Pulse), Yasmin Roebuck (Manchester Thunder), Millie Sanders (Manchester Thunder) and Alicia Scholes (Manchester Thunder)
Make sure you’re following England Netball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates!
Please note we have been informed by Netball Australia that all of the matches will be ‘behind closed doors’ and will not accept any spectators.
