Team Bath Netball Academy rising star Ella Williams “honoured and excited” to be named in England squad for U17 Europe Netbal

Academy player Ella Williams will become the latest in a long line of Team Bath Netball players to proudly represent their country after being named in the England squad for this weekend’s U17 Europe Netball competition.

Goal-shooter Ella, who trains with Team Bath’s Glastonbury Academy at Millfield School and also plays for Poole NC in Dorset, is in the Roses Academy for the first time this season. It continues an exciting season for the 15-year-old, who is also part of the Blue & Gold’s U19 NPL squad.

We caught up with Ella to find out more about her selection…

How does it feel to have been selected for Europe Netball?

I feel so honoured to have been selected to play at the tournament and represent England. I am extremely excited to be a part of it and see what we can do as a team. 

This is your first season in the England Academy set-up. How are you finding it so far and what have you enjoyed the most?

I have really enjoyed the whole experience of learning more tactical aspects of the game and also the importance of nutrition. I would say my favourite part was going to the first camp and getting to know all the girls and making friends. 

What is your personal goal for Europe Netball and what do you think England can achieve?

My personal aim is to achieve above 90 per cent shooting stats and I think, as a team, we could achieve first or second place. We have a very consistent team who all play extremely well together. 

How has being part of the Team Bath Netball Academy and stepping up to the U19 NPL squad this season helped you develop your game?

Team Bath Academy was the first stepping stone for me in my netball journey. When I joined the Glastonbury hub in 2019, my coach, Jenna Adamson, taught me so many new things that I never knew about and she has helped me become the player I am today. Ever since, I have continually developed my gameplay due to her outstanding coaching. 

Stepping up into the U19 NPL squad has allowed me to further to develop my skills by playing at a higher level. I have been coached new strategies and fine-tuned skills that will further my gameplay. 

What is your long-term ambition in netball?

My long-term ambition would be to progress through the England set-up and hopefully be able to play at a senior level one day.

The Europe Netball U17 Championship are taking place from 25-27 February in Newcastle. Find out more about the Team Bath Netball Academy by visiting netball.teambath.com/Futures-pathway.

This article originally appeared in our match-day programme for the Vitality Superleague fixture against Surrey Storm. Click on the image below to view the programme.