Netball Player Success Story

“I started Elite sessions when I was 10, the sessions really helped develop my basic skills. Fast forward a few years and at the start of this season, I got into England Roses Academy U17 long squad.”

Meet mid-court player Hettie to find out more about her netball journey with Elite.

Position:

WA/C

Current club:

Leeds Athletic Netball Club, Leeds Rhinos U17 NPL & England Roses U17 long squad

Elite Academy:

Yorkshire

Favourite player to watch:

Nat Metcalf

What age did you start training with Elite?

I was 10

Why did you start training with Elite?

Elite had just been set up and I started going to improve my fitness, in addition to the training I was doing at club. I have never felt as fit as when I was at Elite!

What were your favourite sessions at Elite?

Skill-based sessions when guest coaches attended, as I was still young so they really helped with developing my basic skills

Tell us about your netball now and how Elite helped you on this path:

I started playing at Wakefield Phoenix in year 4 and decided to move to Leeds Athletic in Year 6. At the same time, Elite was being established and I used the training in both environments to develop my playing.

Whilst being at LANC and training with Elite, I have been to two U14 national club finals, we won in 2024 and went to the U16 national club finals in 2025. I started training with Rhinos in Year 8 at U14 level and now have completed one U15 school games, one U15 national academies and an U17 NPL season and tournament.

At the start of this season, I got into England Roses Academy U17 long squad. As well as this playing experience, last season I started to help coach at Elite minis on Saturday mornings. I love helping them learn using fun games to build their confidence, try new skills and work as a team.