The Isle of Man under-21 netball squad faces one of their toughest challenges since joining the international arena in 2018 in Wales next week, when they take on five other countries for a place in the World Youth Cup tournament. Starting on Tuesday, September 24, the Manx side will face teams from UAE, Wales, Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The top three countries will secure a place in the finals in Gibraltar next year.
The squad are eager to compete and test themselves against their strong opponents, many of whom play for UK Super League franchises. Team manager Deb Evans said: ‘Whilst the players admit there are more than a few nerves being felt, morale among the squad is high. ‘The coaching and management team are confident that the island squad will bring their best performances to the court. ‘The opportunity to play in such a tournament only comes around every four years, and to play against such world-class opposition, means we have everything to gain and nothing to lose. ‘We couldn’t be prouder of the way the players have risen to the challenge.’
A Test of Skill and Determination
The Isle of Man's Under-21 netball team is preparing to take on one of its biggest tests to date next week. IoM Netball has confirmed 12 players will make up the squad which will contest the Under-21 World Youth Cup qualifying event in Cardiff, Wales from 24-29 September. Once there, the Isle of Man will take on five other nations in the form of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Wales, Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. IoM Netball is describing this event as 'one of their toughest challenges since IoM Netball joined the international arena in 2018' but that 'the squad are eager to compete and test themselves.'
A Place at the World Youth Cup
All the nations involved in the qualifiers - which will take place at Cardiff's House of Sport - will be vying for a place at the World Youth Cup scheduled to be held in Gibraltar in 2025. The Island side's first contest of the qualifiers will be against UAE on Tuesday, 24 September at 5pm - all matches in the tournament will be livestreamed on the Europe Netball YouTube channel.
Facing Tough Competition
The Isle of Man's Under-21 Netball team is relishing what's being described as their biggest international challenge to date this week. The Manx squad are taking part in the qualifiers for next year's World Youth Cup and will take on five other nations in Cardiff from today until Sunday (24-29 September). Team Manager Deb Evans says whilst it'll be a tough test, this event will also be about 'creating experiences that are going to stay with them for the rest of their lives'. What's more she adds there's no pressure on the players when it comes to results: The Isle of Man's first match will see them face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at 5pm this evening. That match and all games across the tournament will be livestreamed on the Europe Netball YouTube channel. You can view the Isle of Man squad and its event schedule below:
Isle of Man Under-21 World Youth Cup Qualifiers Squad
Amaline Batty Maddie Butterworth Holly Charmer Becca Cooke Ella Crowe Winnie Davies Kate Doran Mairi Harrison Annabel Kneale Claire Mason Kenzie Pizzey Niamh Skillicorn
Under-21 World Youth Cup Qualifiers Schedule (24/9/24 - 298/9/24)
Tuesday, 24 Sept - Isle of Man vs United Arab Emirates (UAE) (5pm) Wednesday, 25 Sept - Isle of Man vs Wales (5pm) Friday, 27 Sept - Isle of Man vs Scotland (7pm) Saturday, 28 September - Isle of Man vs Republic of Ireland (4pm) Sunday, 29 September - Isle of Man vs Northern Ireland (10am)
The Road to Gibraltar
The Isle of Man's Under-21 netball team will be hoping to make history in Cardiff this week. The team is taking part in the qualifiers for the 2025 World Youth Cup, which will be held in Gibraltar. If they are successful in the qualifiers, they will have a chance to compete against some of the best young netball players in the world. This is a major opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and talent on the international stage. The team has been preparing hard for this event, and they are ready to give it their all. The matches will be a great opportunity for the players to gain experience and improve their skills. They will be looking to learn from their opponents and develop their game. This is a chance for the team to write their own chapter in the history of Isle of Man netball.
