Wales Netball
May 15, 2025
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David Regional Academy is based in Carmarthen and has three age groups, U13, U15 and U17. The U17 and U15 squads are led by Head Coach Nikki Howells with Assistant Coach Angharad Howells. The U13 squad is led by Head Coach Claire Adams.
Nikki Howells, U15 and U17 Head Coach:
The U15 and U17 squads at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David Regional Academy have shown outstanding commitment and professionalism throughout their training. The players have shown great focus and a strong willingness to put in the work throughout every session.
So far, our sessions have emphasised mastering the fundamentals, with a strong focus on footwork, passing, and dynamic movement. We’ve progressed into tactical development, covering elements like three stages of defence, circle rotation, and TCA/TCD linking in units on court.
Beyond technical and tactical training, athletes have also participated in team-building activities and match-play scenarios to apply their learning in game-like conditions. Additionally, they’ve taken part in review sessions post games focusing on goal setting, self-reflection and understanding how to implement feedback into their game.
The players’ attitude and approach to every aspect of training has been exemplary, setting a strong foundation for continued growth and success for this area and we are extremely proud of what they have achieved so far.
Claire Adams, U13 Head Coach:
The U13 Regional Academy, based at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Carmarthen Campus, is made up of 23 talented and dedicated young athletes. These girls have shown exceptional commitment throughout the season, working tirelessly during training sessions to develop their individual skills and improve their gameplay.
Throughout the season, the Academy has taken part in several fixtures, including matches against Cardiff University U13 Regional Academy, Neath Port Talbot College U13 Regional Academy, Bridgend College U13 Regional Academy, and the Mini Merlins U12s – the reigning regional league champions. These games provided valuable experience and learning opportunities, helping the girls test and refine their skills in competitive environments.
In addition to match play, the squad also attended a ‘watch and learn’ session at the Llanelli Netball League with Nia Bullen of the Wales Netball U21s. This session offered insight into high-level performance and inspired the players to strive for excellence on and off the court.
Coaching this group has been an absolute privilege. The athletes have shown tremendous growth, both as individuals and as a squad. Their dedication, resilience, and enthusiasm have made them a joy to work with, and they’ve formed a strong, cohesive unit that represents the values of the Regional Academy and Wales Netball with pride.
It has been an honour to serve as Head Coach during the inaugural year of the U13 Regional Academy age group. I’m incredibly proud of what the girls have achieved and excited to see how they continue their journey through the Wales Netball performance pathway.
Squads and Training Information
Follow the links below to view our University of Wales Trinity Saint David Regional Academy squads for the 2024/25 season!
Training:
UWTSD, Carmarthen Campus Sports Centre, Carmarthen, SA31 3EP
About University of Wales Trinity Saint David
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) offers a wide range of courses, from Education to Motorsports Engineering, with sporting aspirations supported alongside academic study. The UWTSD Netball Regional Academy trains at The Pod on the Carmarthen campus, which is also home to the UWTSD Academy of Sport.
The Academy of Sport provides a high-performance pathway for student athletes in key focus areas including Rugby (male and female), Football (male and female), Netball (female), and a range of Individual Sports (male and female). All student athletes on these pathways benefit from access to expert coaching, strength and conditioning sessions, nutrition and dietary advice, sport science, sport therapy, performance analysis, and lifestyle management support.
The Academy works closely with the Student Union sports clubs, including UWTSD Rugby Club, UWTSD Football, Club UWTSD, the Netball Club, and the UWTSD Individual Sports Club. These clubs compete in BUCS leagues, cups, events, and championships throughout the year.
Student athletes typically take part in two to three dedicated sport-specific sessions per week, in addition to two strength and conditioning sessions and one performance analysis session. These commitments are balanced alongside academic responsibilities, club competitions, and social opportunities.
This year has been a standout season for UWTSD sport. The Netball and Rugby teams both secured league titles, demonstrating the strength and depth of talent nurtured through the Academy. In addition, the Rugby and Football teams brought home the prestigious Western Cup Trophy, showcasing not only individual athletic excellence but also the power of teamwork, commitment, and university-wide support. These achievements highlight the success of the performance pathways and reinforce UWTSD’s commitment to developing well-rounded student athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom.
If you’d like to find out more or keep up with the Academy journey, here’s how you can reach us:
