A pupil at St Swithun’s school, Winchester, has been selected to join the England squad for the upcoming U17 Netball Europe Championships.
Playing the position of goal attack, Sophie Kelly was part of the St Swithun’s netball team that reached the final of a national cup competition last year. The 15-year-old also plays regularly for her club team Weston Park Blades and for Superleague franchise Surrey Storm.
One of the youngest players in the England U17 squad, Sophie earned her place following an impressive trial with the England netball academy. She said: “I am so excited to play netball for England. It has been a goal of mine for a long time, and I am looking forward to the challenge of international competition”.
Head of netball at St Swithun’s school, Kelly Drew, added: “We wish Sophie the best of luck representing England. She is a role model for anyone looking to play netball at a senior level with her dedication and commitment to the sport.”
England take on Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Switzerland in a bid to win gold at the Netball Europe Championships which take place in the Welsh town of Ebbw Vale on 6-8 March.