Welsh Feathers and National Academy Updates: Exciting Developments and Match Highlights

Welsh Feathers

Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates on the upcoming Welsh Feathers trials. Scheduled for August, these trials are for the 2024/2025 season. If you’re eager to be part of the Welsh Feathers program, keep an eye out for more information coming soon.

In addition, the Welsh Feathers will soon announce a transformative new partnership. Details will be revealed shortly, so stay connected to learn more about this exciting development!

National Academy Highlights:

U19 National Academy

The U19 National Academy squad recently participated in two curtain-raiser matches before a Cardiff Dragons game at the House of Sport. The first match against English Universities was challenging, with the final score of 20-51 in favour of English Uni’s. Despite the loss, the squad gained valuable experience.

In an international fixture held in Cardiff this April, the U19 squad faced Scotland U19s. The match was intensely competitive, with Scotland pulling ahead in the final quarter, resulting in a 33-44 loss for Wales. All 12 Welsh athletes in the squad earned their first U19 Wales Caps. Congratulations to:

1. Izzy Affley

2. Nia Bullen

3. Megan Cottrell

4. Darcy Hastings

5. Nia Jones

6. Maddi Lovett

7. Lottie Moffat

8. Taylor Radcliffe

9. Thea Rhodes

10. Olivia Sutton

11. Annie Taylor

12. Emily Taylor

U21 National Academy

In April, the newly formed Wales U21 squad played their first match against a strong Scotland U21 team at the House of Sport. Despite a close game, Wales narrowly lost 46-53. Seven athletes earned their first Wales U21 caps:

1. Katie Aindow

2. Izzy Burgess

3. Ffion Smith (U17s)

4. Ella Smith

5. Izzy Morris

6. Jaz Franks

7. Ellie Macauley

The U21 squad had another competitive match against a combined Wales U23/Welsh Feathers training partner squad, winning 55-49. This game provided a chance to build on their combinations as they prepare for the World Youth Cup Qualifiers in September.

Additionally, the U21 team faced the U23 Severn Stars NPL Squad. Wales performed well in the first three periods, leading 24-22, but eventually lost 35-53 after six periods. The squad is focused on building towards selection for the World Youth Commonwealth Qualifiers, with more fixtures scheduled against the Saracens Mavericks in the coming weeks.

U15 National Academy

The U15 National Academy recently travelled to Stratford Upon Avon to compete against Thunderbirds, who qualified for the England National finals. This experience exposed the Welsh athletes to a different style of play.

In another match, the U15 squad played against Team Bath U15’s before a Cardiff Dragons game at the House of Sport. This arena-style match provided valuable experience against an NPL side.

The U15 squad looks forward to more friendly fixtures as they prepare for the U15 School Games competition in Loughborough at the end of August.

Regional Academy

Regional Academy squads across Wales are diligently training for the upcoming Regional Academy tournament in Cardiff, scheduled for July 6th and 7th. This event will feature all eight Regional Academies competing against each other, allowing over 400 athletes to play in a tournament setting.

Stay connected for more updates and detailed coverage of these exciting events and developments in Wales Netball!