England Netball is delighted to confirm that our World Class training programme has now commenced at Loughborough University.
Athletes signing the full-time player agreements have entered the Summer Training Camp as the Roses prepare for the inaugural Quad Series to be hosted in Australia and New Zealand in August.
England players currently taking part in the 2016 ANZ Championships are in discussions in regards to linking up with the camp later this summer.
Screening and trials will be held next month for any players outside of the full-time agreement who wish to be considered for selection ahead of the Quad Series.
Roses Head Coach Tracey Neville is delighted to welcome the first set of athletes to the programme.
She said “The facilities that are on offer for these athletes are absolutely world class and they will be provided with the optimum training environment in which to succeed.
“As a former England player myself, to see how far the sport has come and the potential of further improvement, fills me with great satisfaction and optimism.
She added: “This shows the tremendous increase in commercial exposure with England Netball. We would like to thank all of our current partners, in particular our title sponsors Vitality.”
Performance Director Sara Symington believes that this is a momentous occasion for players hoping to one day put on the red dress for England.
“Thousands of young girls dream of being able to play for England and would gladly sacrifice their time, energy and money to achieve this ambition.
“To be able to allow this set of athletes to concentrate solely on becoming the best netballer that they can be, is a truly historic moment in England Netball history.”
She added, “We hope to inspire future generations of netballers to realise their potential and fulfil their ambitions.
“Netball is now a genuine career option and we hope that these pioneering players who have committed to this programme become role models for women and girls across the country.”
We are delighted to confirm the first set of players entering the full-time athlete agreement are as follows;
Rebekah Airey, Summer Artman, Eleanor Cardwell, Ella Clark, Beth Cobden, Sasha Corbin, George Fisher, Jodie Gibson, Natalie Haythornthwaite, Hannah Joseph, Leah Kennedy, Laura Malcolm, Natalie Panagarry, Jess Shaw
England Netball will continue to support Kadeen Corbin and Rachel Shaw as they continue their development in Australia and rehabilitation from injury respectively.
Ex-England Netball Performance Director and former New Zealand head coach Wai Taumaunu joins the squad this week as she offers her expertise alongside the existing coaching staff at the start of our World Class training programme
This is the start of our journey to the home Netball World Cup in 2019 which is to be hosted in Liverpool.
