County & Satellite Academies
County Academies are set up in every County in the West Midlands Region. They provide training to those 12-16 years olds identified as demonstrating potential. Under 14 academies cater for those aged 12-14 years and the U16 Academies for those aged 14-16 years. The academies are focused on training individual skills and helping every player reach their potential.
Trials for academies are held each year (usually in September) and athletes are nominated through a Talent Scout or their school or club coaches. Some counties then run satellite academies which support those players who are not quite ready to attend the County academies but demonstrate the potential to do so.
Players at each County Academy are invited to the regional festival where they play a Versatility Tournament against the other academies. It is in this arena that some athletes are then scouted to attend the West Midlands Pre Screening.
Contact your Netball Development Officer for more information about Academies in your county.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I gain a place in the Satellite or County Academy?
You need to be nominated by a teacher or club coach that has attended the Talent ID workshop. If you are of the right level then your teacher or coach can nominate to you to attend trials. Most affiliated Junior Clubs will have or be linked to trained coaches. Alternately you may be spotted by a Netball West Midlands Accredited Scout. These scouts attend various school and club competitions to identify talented athletes.
How can I progress from the Satellite academy up the pathway?
Basic movement and ball skills are essential you should be practicing these every day to get them to a high quality level. For example shooters should do 100 shots per day. Work hard in your sessions and follow all the guidance given to you by your coaches, if you are of the right level, once you are on the pathway your coaches will then nominate you for further trials.
