Hannah Blackman in action for the University of Exeter Netball Club
Netball thriving at the University of Exeter
The University of Exeter has recently been fortunate enough to host a number of events in conjunction with the Team Bath Netball Superleague franchise. One of the most successful teams in the Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) with 5 Superleague titles, Team Bath represents a hub of netball excellence in the South West.
In February, the University hosted a Netball Performance League (NPL) fixture between Team Bath Youth and Seven Stars Youth, with Team Bath prevailing 77-35. The NPL consists of 10 teams (8 Netball Superleague franchises and 2 invited teams) with all players aged under 19. Many of those involved will be hoping to play in the VNSL in the future. This is also the first time a Team Bath NPL home fixture has been played outside of Bath, providing a great opportunity to bring NPL to Exeter.
In addition to this, the University recently held trials for aspiring young netball players (U17) hoping to represent Team Bath in the National Performance Foundation League (NPFL). The second round will also be held at the University on 31st March.
On hosting these events, High Performance Manager, Charlotte Hale, commented:
“It’s a privilege to host the Under 17 NPFL trials at the University of Exeter as well as seeing the stars of South West netball in the NPL fixture last month. We hope to continue to have the opportunity to bring these kind of events to University of Exeter in the future.”
With netball being one of the University of Exeter’s 9 focus sports and part of the High Performance Programme, a number of current University of Exeter Netball High Performance athletes attended the recent Team Bath U21 trials. Netball sports scholars Christina Shaw (also first team captain) and Hannah Blackman have both been selected to represent Team Bath Under 21’s, with Maisie Sharp still to trial later this month.
On her selection, Christina commented:
“Getting selected for Team Bath U21 is really exciting and is a completely new challenge that I can't wait to be involved in. The University have allowed myself and Hannah to get to where we are now by continuing to support us, especially with the High Performance Programme.”
Hannah added:
“I am a proud member of the University of Exeter Netball club (EUNC) and was excited that the University recommended me for Team Bath U21 trials. I was thrilled to be selected for the squad, where I can continue to develop my netball ability further, as well as improving my performance for EUNC.”
“During my time at the University I have received continued support, encouragement and resources from coaches, peers & staff which has assisted in achieving this recognition."
The University’s three current netball scholars are part of the University of Exeter High Performance Programme and Sports Scholarship Scheme, in which exceptionally talented student athletes are provided with a comprehensive package of support and financial benefits. This includes state-of-the art training facilities, expert coaching, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, sports massage, sports science services and video analysis.
For more information on high performance sport at the University of Exeter, please visit http://sport.exeter.ac.uk/studentsport/performancesport/
Date: 20 March 2017