We are pleased to share that Emily Foster (Year 9) has been selected to join the U15 Loughborough Lightning Academy after a successful trial.

The Loughborough Academy is part of England Netball’s performance pathway, supporting aspiring players in the East Midlands and beyond. It develops athletes with the potential to progress into senior domestic and international netball.

Emily’s netball journey began at 11 when she was spotted at school and invited to trial for the North Bucks County Training Academy. She joined the programme in early 2022 while also playing for MK Netters Netball Club. A year later, she secured a place in the MK Dons U14 team as a goal shooter, competing in South Regional competitions. By early 2024, at just 13, she had progressed to the MK Dons U16 team, competing in Regional Division 1.

Earlier this month, the eight Super League franchises held trials for their Academy programmes, selecting only 20 U15 players each. Emily attended open trials at Birmingham Panthers and Loughborough Lightning and a closed trial for London Mavericks. With over 180 top Year 9 and 10 players competing at each trial, selection was tough. After more than 20 hours of trials in one week, Emily was offered Academy places at Panthers and Loughborough, as well as a Development Squad place at Mavericks.

Emily has chosen Loughborough Lightning and attended her first training session last week, stepping onto the same court where the England Roses train. She said: “I am really excited to play with some of the best young players and get in front of selectors for the Super League teams and England.”