This weekend the U13 and U14 A squads took a trip to Condover Hall, Shropshire, for the GSA netball tournament held by Masterclass Sports Tours.

U14s

We had two tough days of netball matches including extra activities such as a talk from Loughborough Lightning captain, former England player Nat Panagarry and rock climbing. On Saturday we had some excellent fixtures, winning six of our eight matches. This brought us up to the Trophy league. Our most successful matches were against Streatham & Clapham and Heathfield School. The U14s came 10th out of 26 schools. This trip was amazing for our team bonding and has been a terrific way to kick of the season!

Alice F and Martha P, Year 9

U13s

When the U13 and U14 teams arrived at the GCS campus, ready for our two day netball tournament, everyone was so excited to start. As soon as we had unpacked, we all had a go on the climbing walls that would also be open after dinner as well as laser tag.

After dinner all of the teams filed into the sports hall to listen to Nat Panagarry talk about her netball journey and how she reached super league level. It definitely inspired us all for the netball ahead!

The next day, after breakfast, the U13 teams traveled to outdoor courts a 20 minute coach drive away to play, while the U14s stayed on campus to play there.

Each team played eight matches on day one of the tournament to determine whether each team would qualify for plate, cup or trophy pools. The U13s only won two matches, but due to extremely close games, managed to secure their place in the cup pool.

On the second day of the GSA netball tournament, the U13s played their best netball of the tournament, winning two and drawing one out of five! At the presentation ceremony after lunch, the we were told that we were placed 17th, out of 27 teams, a turnout that everyone was delighted with.

Everyone was sorry to leave the GSA tournament at the end of the weekend, but so excited to tell their friend and family back home about their amazing match play!

Sibella G, Year 8