Europe Netball U17 Championship calling for young Roses

Nine of the team will win their first U17 caps if they get out on court during the competition with captain Daisy Lees, vice-captain Neve Marsden and Hannah Gibson, who lifted the trophy as part of the 2023 Europe Netball U17 Championship-winning side. 

Competing at the home of the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, for which all the team would be eligible for selection, the young Roses begin their title defence against the Republic of Ireland on Friday 8 March. 

After finishing first in the U17 Challenge competition in 2023, the Republic of Ireland defeated Northern Ireland in the Play-Off Event for the chance to compete in the Championship section for 2024. 

The 12-strong England squad, led by former Rose and Head Coach Leah Kennedy, will then come up against the United Arab Emirates U17 on Saturday 9 March. 

The young Roses laid down an immediate marker at last year’s event with a dominant 81-22 victory over the UAE and will be out to impress once again. 

Wales U17, who they ran out 71-32 winners against last time the sides met, will prove tough opposition as the young Roses face back-to-back matches on the Saturday. 

England’s campaign concludes on Sunday 11 March as they take on Scotland U17, who they almost broke the 100-goal barrier against in 2023. 

The Fixtures and Viewing Details: 

All games will be available to watch on the Europe Netball YouTube channel. 

The links to watch will also be shared on England Netball’s X account before each game with the result posted at full time. 

The View From Inside The Camp: 

Head Coach Leah Kennedy: “I am really excited to see what our U17s can put out on court over the competition. It’s been a pleasure seeing them build their connections on and off court. There is a real bond between them all; they know how to enjoy themselves whilst also expecting high standards in everything they do. They have stepped it up a gear in their prep, challenging each other to be more creative, work consistently and to a high intensity. They all want to be out there playing for one another and making their country proud.” 

Captain Daisy Lees: “We are all so excited about the upcoming Europe Netball competition. The team have been working hard to ensure we are ready and prepared, and we can’t wait to get out there and show everyone what we can do. This group has a real sense of team spirit and pride, and we are looking forward to supporting each other during the competition.” 

Vice-captain Neve Marsden: “The whole team has been working so hard over the past months, and everyone is really keen to show what we are capable of. This squad has so many different characters and we enjoy the variety that brings. During prep, we have had a really good balance of fun whilst still putting the hard work into training. Bring on Gibraltar!” 

The Squad:   

Captain: Daisy Lees || Vice-Captain: Neve Marsden   

Head Coach: Leah Kennedy || Assistant Coach: Lauren Palmer