Netball Northern Ireland is delighted to announce the players selected for the 2025/26 Northern Ireland U17 and U19 National Academies. These talented athletes represent the next generation of elite netballers, taking vital steps on the performance pathway towards future international honours.
Following a highly competitive trial process, the squads have been finalised and will commence their academy programmes this month. The National Academy structure is designed to identify, nurture, and develop emerging talent, providing players with the technical, tactical, physical and mental skills needed to excel at the highest levels of the game.
Warriors Head Coach, Sheonah Forbes, said:
We are incredibly proud of all athletes who took part in this years selection process. The commitment, determination, and standard of play were exceptional, making final selections extremely difficult.
The U17 and U19 National Academies are crucial in preparing players for future international competitions, and we are excited to start working with this group to continue raising the bar for netball in Northern Ireland.
Throughout the season, academy athletes will participate in high performance training camps, specialist coaching sessions, and a tailored strength & conditioning programme, alongside competitive match opportunities that will challenge and extend their development.
Congratulations to All Selected Players
We extend our warmest congratulations to all those selected. Being named in the National Academy is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication these players, along with their families, clubs, and schools, have put into their netball journeys so far.
U17 National Academy 2025/26
Athletes:
Polly Atwood
Marleigh Coster
Aoife Curtin
Sadhbh Drain
Emilia Gordon
Keri Gray
Maddie Heasley
Olivia McAnally
Caoimhe McCartan
Matilda McCartney
Eva McKeown
Anna Owen
Faye Pearson
Maisie Rainer
Emma Rice
Alice Richardson
Emily Smith
Caitlin Stokes
Ruby Tolland
Gracie Tubb
Mangement:
Head Coach – Jenny Clayton
Assistant Coach – Fionnuala Toner
Team Manager – Lisa McAnally
U19 National Academy 2025/26
Athletes:
Katie Allen
Alice Black
Emily Brownleader
Sylvie Burrows
Ava Cooke
Anna Devany
Marli Doherty
Aoibheann Donnelly
Joy Ebbinghaus
Annie Elliott
Grace Gordon
Erin Gray
Katie Haughey
Faye Kelly
Zoe Maynard
Evie McCafferty
Sienna McCartney
Anna McGarry
Aiobheann Monaghan
Matilda Moore
Eva Scott
Kara Scott
Imogen Shaw
Tara Tillie
Aoife Wolfe
Maya Ziehe
Management:
Head Coach – Shaunagh Craig
Team Manager – Caroline Nedza
Thank You to Our Netball Community
Netball NI also wishes to thank the clubs, coaches, schools and families who continue to support these players every step of the way. Your encouragement and commitment play a vital role in helping our athletes achieve their dreams.
We look forward to an exciting season ahead and to see how these young athletes develop, both on and off the court, as they proudly represent Northern Ireland on their netball journey.