Wales U21 Qualify for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup

Wales U21 squad have qualified for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, set to take place in Gibraltar.

The team competed in the Netball World Youth Cup Qualifiers hosted by Wales Netball in Cardiff last month, where our athletes had the opportunity to perform in front of a home crowd. Over the course of five matches from the 24th to the 29th of September, the Wales U21 squad faced strong competition and showcased their hard work and dedication.

Wales kicked off the tournament with a 76-41 win over the Republic of Ireland, followed by an 85-27 victory against the Isle of Man. After a day of rest and preparation, the team continued with a 58-41 win against Northern Ireland. Despite a challenging match against Scotland, resulting in a 51-60 loss, the team rebounded with a 67-60 win over UAE in the final game.

With 5 wins out of 6 matches, our U21 team has secured their place in the 2025 World Netball Youth Cup. We’re proud of their effort and resilience throughout the qualifiers.

Reflecting on the squad’s performance, Head Coach Sarah Lewis said, “I’m thrilled that Wales has qualified for the 2025 World Youth Netball Cup in Gibraltar! Considering the challenges we faced with injuries, I couldn’t be prouder of the athletes and staff who have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality. One of my key objectives was to expose all 12 athletes to the intensity and pressure of international competition, and I’m delighted we achieved that. Every player had their moment to contribute and grow, and this exposure will be crucial as we look ahead to Gibraltar.”

As the squad looks forward to the World Cup, Sarah added, “The road to the World Cup starts now, and I’m excited to continue this journey with such a talented and dedicated group. We will focus on building a dynamic, adaptable squad that embodies the Welsh Way.”

We want to extend our gratitude to the volunteers, organisers, and partners who contributed to making this event a success. Thank you for your continued support of Wales Netball.