Isle of Wight born teenager picked for U17 Northern Ireland squad

Matilda, of Cowes, and who attends Millfield School in Somerset, came through a rigorous set of trials to gain selection and is looking to represent Northern Ireland in various international fixtures.

This includes the U17 European Championships, which will take place in Gibraltar in March net year. 

The 16-year-old, who also attended Gurnard Primary School and Ryde School with Upper Chine, started playing netball for Gurnard Netball Club when she was eight, before going on to play for the Island's Shorwell club, Swan Netball Club and the Hampshire Academy.  

Matilda joined Millfield's lower sixth in September as a talented shooter, and is also a part of the Team Bath Performance Pathway.  

“I’m really excited about the selection, especially with the opportunities I will get, to play against other teams at international level, representing my nation,” Matilda said.

“I have wanted to join Millfield for a long time, but I finally took the next step and joined its lower sixth so I could play netball at a higher level. 

"I have always wanted to go to a school where everything is close to me, having spent years travelling across from the Isle of Wight, multiple times a week, to play netball. 

"The programme here is special, as the team is so close-knit, training together most days of the week. 

"There is also such a high level of netball at Millfield, with great coaching and nice people involved. 

"So far I have learned a lot and I’m excited for the future.” 

Millfield's director of netball, Jenna Adamson, said she was thrilled for Matilda. 

"Matilda's a talented and hard working individual, with a bright future ahead. I am looking forward to watching her shine on the international stage and follow her progress over the season.” 

Matilda has a wealth of top coaching experience to draw upon at Millfield, comprised of players involved in senior international squads, the Netball Super League, England Performance Pathway and Premier League clubs.