The U17 Netball squad of the Ayrshire District has concluded an extraordinarily triumphant season, emerging as runners-up to the Edinburgh District at the National Performance Finals that recently took place in Edinburgh.
This team, comprised of 16 young women - Aminata, Hannah, Isla, Kirsty, Rihanna, Martha, and Lucy from Stewarton Academy; Kayleigh and Kate from Garnock Community Campus; Natasha and Olivia from Prestwick Academy; Jess from Kilmarnock Academy, Naomi from Loudon Academy, Freya from Queen Margaret Academy, and Sophia and Maddie from Wellington School - marked their most triumphant season in history in the run-up to the Performance Finals. They secured victory in all ten matches in their South region group stage.
This season marked the first occasion that the squad made it to the finals, where they faced tough competition against teams from Orkney, Glasgow, and Edinburgh Districts. Despite the stiff competition, the Ayrshire squad rose to the challenge, securing a commendable second place against a seasoned Edinburgh side.
The accolade of player's player of the day was conferred upon Natasha from Prestwick Academy, while the coaches' player of the day was bestowed upon Aminata from Stewarton Academy.
Councillor Elaine Cowan, the Cabinet Spokesperson for Lifelong Learning, Education and Skills, and Culture, expressed her admiration for the team's stellar performance, stating, “This is an incredible and historic achievement from our young people and their coaches, including Clare Wilson, a senior manager from the East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership. They reached the Performance Finals in Edinburgh with their outstanding performance, displaying the commitment and determination that brought them to the final and secured the second place.”
Councillor Cowan concluded, “I am incredibly pleased to extend my congratulations to the entire team. We are profoundly proud of your accomplishments.”