Securing a place on the Leeds Rhinos Player Pathway came as a welcome surprise for Bede student, Lucy.
But the 17-year-old is clearly already proving a valuable asset, having been selected in the starting seven for the under 19s squad’s first three Netball Performance League matches this season.
Loving the challenge so far, she said: “I have always wanted to play at a performance league level. I tried out for Leeds just to see how I would do.”
Still modest about her performance and commitment to the sport, she added: “I didn’t expect to get in.”
The under 19 Netball Performance League (NPL) offers outstanding young players the chance to compete at a performance level, with regular, highly disciplined and intense competition.
The league is made up of 10 English teams.
With the first two opening rounds taking place in December, as part of the Rhinos under 19 squad, Lucy has already faced fierce competition against Loughborough Lightning and North East Phoenix and will compete with Manchester Thunder tomorrow (Saturday 12th January 2024).
She said: “I was shocked to be picked for the starting seven, but it has given me more confidence in myself.”
Primed to keep themselves match-ready, players are given just 24 hours’ notice if they are to be selected for each game.
Playing for Bede, Grangetown Netball Club and now the Rhinos, Lucy commits hours of training to the game, and even chose to study at the college on the back of her love of the sport.
As part of Bede’s ISE Netball Academy, delivered in partnership with Grangetown Netball Club and Teesside University, she gets to develop her skills on the court, training with top coaches, alongside her studies.
Also studying A level Maths, Economics and Psychology at the college, she said: “It is busy, but it works.
“Bede’s ISE Academy has really helped me to balance my academics and my netball without compromising either of the two. I’ve had access to top quality coaches who have provided insight into how to improve my game and supported my progress throughout the season.
“Since September my game has definitely improved, but so have my organisational skills and time management, allowing me to stay on top of college work.”
It also means Lucy, who has ambitions to go on to compete at Super League and international level, now gets to share lessons she has learned training and competing at NPL level with her fellow academy players.
A Netball Super League player herself with the Leeds Rhinos, Bede’s ISE Netball Academy coach, Tuaine Keenan, who also coaches with Grangetown Netball Club, said: “This is a big achievement for Lucy and is well within her capability as a player. Playing at performance league level offers a great chance to challenge herself and give her that extra push.”
As for sharing what she has learned with her teammates, Tuaine said: “Lucy has come to college as an experienced player. The team come together so naturally, they understand it is about more than personal achievement, it is also about recognising the bigger picture.”
To find out more about Bede’s Institute of Sport and Education and academy opportunities in netball, football, rugby and basketball visit: Bede Institute of Sport and Education (ISE)
