RISING netball talent Grace Thomson called the 2024 School Games Nationals “an experience I will never forget”.
Held at Loughborough University, and sponsored by Sport England and the National Lottery Funding, the showcase games were held over four days, with over 1,500 competitors taking part across 11 different sports.
Netballer Thomson played with her U15 Team Bath squad.
Twelve teams entered with play over three days against some very strong UK opponents, including two international teams in the shape of Scotland and Wales.
“Whilst we [Team Bath] didn’t finish where we would have liked, and deserved, this season, it was an opportunity and experience I will never forget,” said the Islander.
“I loved every minute – being part of the opening ceremony hosted by the icon Pamela Cooley and Tom Gayle, with the games opened by Sam Dickson; mixing with athletes from various parts of the UK, Ireland and the West Indies; hanging out with my teammates and coaches; taking part in an obstacle course; and watching and supporting other events such as cricket, hockey, BMX, modern pentathlon, 3×3 basketball and wheelchair tennis.
“The games had a real Olympic vibe.”
The netball matches were played with the new rules and updates; this and the physicality of the opposition did not deter the Blue and Gold U15 captain.
Thomson has been able to train and play weekly in the UK with Team Bath U15 NPL and U17 PDP over the past two seasons, supported and chaperoned by her parents, and gaining a lot of experience and playing with elite athletes.
“I was very honoured to captain my team this season and I am really looking forward to an exciting season ahead having just come back from the next round of trials for Team Bath U17 NPL,” said Thomson.
Around 300 girls from South West England trialled in the initial stage, which was cut by half by the time of the second stage.
The final cut is expected to feature around 26 girls in the coming days, with the 15-year-old hoping she has done enough to secure a spot on the team.
Thomson concluded: “As a local athlete travelling as much as I do (which at times has been twice a week if training during the week and then match play at the weekend), I would like to see more funding/sponsorship to support and promote local talented individual athletes.
“I am, however, grateful that Condor and Jersey Sport will be supporting a couple of trips to the UK this season, having been put forward for the travel bursary award.
“I am thankful that my school has supported me during my journey and I would like to take the opportunity to also thank those who have supported and encouraged me over the years with more to come.”
