A netball squad from Castle Rushen High School have returned from Catalonia in Spain where they attended a training camp and competed in a tournament wearing tour kit sponsored by Scottish Widows.
The 16-strong squad spent four days in Cambrils, Tarragona attending masterclass training sessions with top professional coaches and competing against schools from across the UK. The two teams - A and B - performed well, with the A team emerging outright winner and its captain Ellie Gilson taking the title Player of the Tournament, an award given to the player who most impresses the coaches.
Castle Rushen High School’s PE department’s Emma Miller said: ‘Our students performed impeccably throughout the tour, experiencing an outstanding level of coaching from a variety of England and netball superleague players, coaches and umpires. More than 150 students aged between 13 and18 from schools across the UK gathered together to take part in this festival.
‘Our students were privileged to undertake two masterclass training sessions. The first was a mixed session where our students were randomly put together with all of the other schools and separated into smaller groups, allowing them to socialise and play with a host of peers from a variety of backgrounds and abilities. During the second masterclass, a coach was assigned specifically to work with our school teams, advancing their tactical and strategic set plays in preparation for the afternoon tournament.
‘Both our A and B teams were entered into the under-18s tournament, despite being under-16s themselves. Our A team ran away with the competition and were unbeaten across all eight fixtures. Our B team also fared very well against the stiff competition, winning five out of their eight fixtures.
‘The competition standard was very high. A number of the schools we played against were from the private sector and are lucky enough to employ dedicated netball coaches to work alongside their PE staff. On a number of occasions our teams were complimented for their behaviour, attitude and politeness, both on and off the courts, which is always a delight to hear.
‘Furthermore, a number of staff were interested to learn more about our island. We have shared our contact details with schools across and are looking forward to hosting King Edward VI School from Edgbaston, Birmingham in return fixtures next year.
‘I would like to thank Scottish Widows for their support in providing the tour kit. The students had the most fantastic time and are very keen to enter the tournament again next year. In addition, a few students have also expressed an interest to learn Spanish and would love to return to Barcelona as soon as possible.’
Scottish Widows managing director Juan Clarke said: ‘As a business we are as much committed to building strong relationships with our customers as we are with our local community. We are always keen to be involved with initiatives that support young people’s development – educational, personal and social. This netball tour to Catalonia met these aims, exposing the students to different cultures and playing environments. We were therefore pleased to provide the tour kit for the squad who are to be congratulated on their performance and for serving as such excellent ambassadors for the Isle of Man.’
Photo - Coached in Cambrils: Castle Rushen High School’s netball squad back from Spain wearing their Scottish Widows-sponsored tour kit. ‘A’ team captain and Player of the Tournament Ellie Gilson is flanked by the company’s managing director Juan Clarke and customer enablement and technical manager David Corkill. Picture Andrew Barton.
