Cheshire Netball under 17s win US Netball Championship in Phoenix

Cheshire County Netball’s under 17s became the first team from the UK to not only participate in the US Netball Open Championships – but to win the event, too!

The squad of players aged 15 to 18 from across Cheshire, including many with links to schools and clubs in the Northwich and Middlewich areas, went through the competition in Phoenix, Arizona, undefeated.

They also spent time with youngsters in schools and colleges to promote the sport as well as British culture, and their efforts were acknowledged with ‘thank you’ letters from elementary students who were inspired to try netball for the first time.

Feedback from the squad is that the girls had an all-round amazing experience and they arrived back at Manchester Airport with their shiny medals yesterday.

Competing with the Cheshire squad were (name, age, club, school/college):

Caitlin Campbell, 15, Northwich Sapphires, The County High School, Leftwich

Tilly Birks, 17, Cheshire Stars (based in Middlewich), Sir John Deanes 6th form college, Northwich

Ella Cox, 16, Cheshire Stars, Alsager School

Isobel Duffy, 17, Cheshire Stars, Loreto College

Ruby Stewart, 16, Cheshire Stars, Sandbach School 6th form

Bella Carleton-Bland, 16, Wilmslow Lightning, Sir John Deanes 6th form college, Northwich

Thank you letter from an elementary school student (Image: Contributed) Thank you letter from an elementary school student (Image: Contributed) (Image: Contributed)

Cheshire County Netball performance development lead Nikki Kendrick said: “We are thrilled to have been the first UK club to have taken part in the US Netball Open Championships, the biggest and most prestigious netball tournament in the US, and beyond delighted to win the Championship!

“This squad has worked so incredibly hard and their dedication and spirit has shown through – on court and off.

“They absolutely deserve their winner’s medals after battling hard to beat some very talented and experienced US clubs and they remained undefeated all tournament!

“We hope by winning the tournament and showcasing the sport in schools, we can evoke the same passion for netball in the US that we have at Cheshire County!”

On day one of the championship, Cheshire played eight matches, winning seven and drawing one.

The following day they were seeded and played three matches, which they won including the final against Santa Monica.

Cheshire’s players proved too strong in the second half, running out 20-10 winners after leading 9-6 at the interval.