The captain of Bryanston School’s U15 netball team has secured a place with the Team Bath U19 Development Academy.
Issy Patel, 15, a student at the school near Blandford, secured her place with the academy following a trial and will now benefit from elite training support and top class coaching as she looks to emulate the Superleague and international successes of senior players at Team Bath Netball.
Issy, who has played netball since the age of seven, said: “This is a dream come true as I’ve always loved playing netball and am keen to go as far as I can in the sport. I’m over the moon to be included in the Team Bath U19 Development Academy as it provides such an inspirational and supportive environment for developing the skills and strengths of young players like myself.”
Issy’s success follows a year in which the Bryanston U15 Netball team won 17 out of 19 competitive games it played and was a finalist in the U15 county finals.
Roni Peck, head of netball at Bryanston, said: “It really has been a great year for everyone in the team and I’m delighted that Issy’s passion for the sport and her hard work on and off the court has helped her secure the recognition and personal support she so richly deserves.
“She is the first athlete from Bryanston to be accepted into the Team Bath U19 Development Academy and her commitment and enthusiasm for the sport is truly infectious. Well done, Issy!”