“It’s been a really good experience, wearing the kit and being able to say that you represent Scotland, it’s a really proud thing that you can say that you did,’ Ciara shared.
The Tournament offers selected athletes the opportunity to go down to England to play Wales and all the English franchises, and is a notable pathway for getting into the national squad.
“It’s been such a good experience to go down and play with girls at your level, and play against people who really challenge you, and not staying in your comfort zone and playing with people you play against over and over again,” Ciara reflected.
From her first training sessions on the school courts to playing at club and regional level, Ciara has shown consistent determination, resilience and passion for the sport. Her selection for the national squad is the result of countless hours of hard work, supported by her teachers, coaches and peers at Albyn School.
“The school started my pathway by putting me forward for the District Team and I think that’s where it really began. Going through all the stages and then constantly getting the support and the training that I needed.”
The PE department has played a key role in her journey, providing guidance, specialist training, and encouragement every step of the way. Teachers across the school have also helped by offering flexibility around her training schedule, ensuring she is able to meet the demands of both her education and sport.
“The school has really helped to get my basics really really good, and strengthen my form so I can go and display it at a higher level.”
Balancing academic commitments with the demands of training for an international squad is no easy task, but Ciara has risen to the challenge. She manages her schoolwork with discipline, often using study periods and support from staff to stay on top of her learning, while dedicating evenings and weekends to high-level netball training.
Her ambition doesn’t stop there, and she now has another chance to trial for the under-17 squad later this week:
“I’ve got a trial for the under-17 Scotland squad and if successful that would mean selection for the year, not just one tournament. There’s also the chance to go to Netball Europe to play against different countries so I’ll be trying my best to get into that.”
The whole of Albyn School wishes Ciara every success and we have no doubt she will represent both her country and her school with pride, determination and sportsmanship.
