REGISTRATION DEADLINE 5PM ON SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY 2025
NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Please read the FAQs at the bottom of this page before registering >
U15 National Academy Finals Trials – 2025
REGISTRATION DEADLINE 5PM ON SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY 2025
Trial Information
U15 National Academy Finals Eligibility
Athlete is Under-15 at 23:59 on 31st August 2025 – born on 1st September 2009 or after.
Athlete is currently part of an any EN Player Pathway Programme, for example:
- County Player Development Programme (PDP)
- Franchise Academy (Under 19 or Under 17)
- Franchise Player Development Programme (PDP)
Additionally, athletes need to fulfil the following criteria prior to signing up to trial:
- Athlete is an EN member
- Athlete are registered on ENgage as a member of the England Netball Player Pathway Programme by the time they attend the trials in January 2025
- All athletes attending trials MUST be linked to their Player Pathway Programme on Engage. Please check that this has happened, as we cannot offer a place to any athlete who is not linked.
Date: Tuesday 21st January
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Venue:Wright Robinson, Abbey Hey Lane, Manchester, M18 8RL
Final trial date: Wednesday 29th January (you must be available for both dates)
Venue Address:
Wright Robinson, Abbey Hey Lane, Manchester, M18 8RL
Final information will be sent out on Monday 20th January prior to the trials.
Any questions to email [email protected]
To download our Pathway selection policy, please click here.
Register Now:
Event F.A.Q
U15 Academy Trial 2025 Eligibility Criteria
U15 Academy Eligibility Criteria Athlete is Under-15 at 23:59 on 31st August 2025 – born on 1st September 2009 or after. Athlete is currently part of an any EN Player Pathway Programme, for example: County Player Development Programme (PDP) Franchise Academy (Under 19 or Under 17) Franchise Player Development Programme (PDP) Additionally, athletes need to fulfil the following criteria prior to signing up to trial: Athlete is an EN member Athlete are registered on ENgage as a member of the England Netball Player Pathway Programme by the time they attend the trials in January 2025 All athletes attending trials MUST be linked to their Player Pathway Programme on Engage. Please check that this has happened, as we cannot offer a place to any athlete who is not linked.
If I was in Thunder’s pathway 23-24 Season do I have to attend open trials?
You will only need to attend open trials if you were in U12 POD, U12s, U13 POD, U13s. From U14s - U23s you will NOT need to attend open trials, you go straight to final trials. NA FOR U15 ACADEMY TRIALS.
What age group do I trial for?
This year we will allocate you the age group to trial for based off your DOB and school year. NA FOR U15 ACADEMY TRIALS.
What should I wear?
White T-shirt/vest with your trial number displayed clearly on your arm and leg. The bigger the better! Please don’t put trial numbers on t-shirts as you will have bibs on covering this up. Finger nails to be cut short and hair tied back neatly. Please avoid wearing club/school kit. Ensure you bring clothing to wear in between games and to enter/exit the building in. Bring warm clothes to wear between matches. Bring drinks and snacks.
When will I receive my trial information?
Everyone will attend the allocated trial time. We will send your trial number the day before the trial. After signing up you will receive a confirmation email, if you haven’t received this please email [email protected] and we can look into this for you. PLEASE CHECK YOUR JUNK/ SPAM FIRST.
What happens on arrival?
Please arrive at the time identified on your trial email and head into reception where you will see a registration desk and thunder staff members. If you cant attend or are running late please email [email protected] and let the team know.
How are the teams built at trials?
We use an automated spreadsheet that gives players equal opportunity on court. You will play mainly in your first position and in some cases you may be used in your second or third position in order to balance teams and playing opportunities. You will get ample time to warm up on court before the trial starts and are encouraged to keep warm between games. We aim to give everyone equal court time (some positions may get slightly more if we are low on a certain position). Selectors are able to see all playing positions listed on their selector sheets.
What is the trial format?
Players number and position will be called out each round. It is the players responsibility to get on court ready for the first whistle. Should a player be missing they will be called again and if they fail to turn up another number may be called in their place. After the trial you will have time to cool down.
What do the selectors look for?
Selectors will watch all the athletes in the session multiple times and collate evidence and a decision on that athlete. Each selector makes their own decision on an athlete and it isn’t discussed during the trial. After the trial the selectors will come together and put forward their vote for each athlete. It is always a majority vote and not down to one selector if an athlete is successful/not. They will not talk or communicate with players trialling.
When will I get to know the outcome of trials?
We will endeavour to let you know the outcome as soon as possible after the trial but we ask if you haven’t heard anything 3 days after the trial please contact [email protected] in case the email has bounced back. No feedback will be given due to the large amount of trialists we will have. However, if you been part of the U15 Thunder pathway 24-25 season, you will receive feedback if not selected. PLEASE CHECK YOUR JUNK/ SPAM FIRST.