Fourth Year pupil Jessica McDowell has been selected for the U15 North Yorkshire Netball Squad after competing against more than 100 other girls in two trials.

Jessica now joins weekly training sessions with fellow squad members and benefits from the support of athletic coaches as well as netball coaches. County representation will follow as her team takes part in matches and tournaments.

She said: “There was a lot of competition, particularly for my preferred position of Goal Attack, but it’s been a great experience where I am already learning new skills.”

Jessica, who also plays at Centre or Wing Attack, is a key member of Pocklington School’s U15 A team. In addition, she represents York City Netball Club, where she has played for a number of teams from her age group upwards. She has also begun supporting coaching of the U12 squad at York City as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, and recently umpired at a local U12 tournament.

Lucy Hornby, Teacher i/c Girls Hockey and Netball, said: “Jessica is a talented all-round sportswoman but with netball as her real passion, her selection for the North Yorkshire Netball squad is hugely deserved and a great achievement.

“Jessica's dedication to the sport is outstanding and with continued commitment to her netball, I feel this is only the start of her further success. All of us at Pocklington School are very proud of Jessica and we wish her all the best as part of the North Yorkshire Squad.”