Marjon Student Union Deputy called up to England Nets World Cup squad

Released: 21.01.19

Marjon Student Union Deputy President Laura Butler has been called up to the England Nets squad to compete at the World Cup in South Africa this Summer.

Laura attended trials for the squad last year and has been successful in making the cut for the tournament which takes place later this year against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The four nations will pit their wits against each other in Capetown, South Africa, with U21, Mixed and Ladies teams competing to be crowned champions of their respective categories.

Nets was previously known as Indoor Netball and is a fast-paced game played in teams of six or seven inside a high-tension net. Players use the surrounding net to gain advantages in position and, of course, score points through the hoop.

Laura, a Master’s student of Sport and Exercise Psychology, has been called up to the Mixed team and is looking forward to preparations ahead of this Summer’s tournament.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic to get called up for the World Cup in South Africa. I have never been out of Europe so I personally can’t wait to visit South Africa and play some sport while I’m over there,” said Laura.

“I haven’t even trialled for national-level netball for seven years so to jump back in to it now is amazing and is a great start to the year for me.”

Laura was encouraged by friends to attend trials for the squad in Bristol and the 23-year-old was successful in making the touring squad for the upcoming tournament. The side’s preparations are now in full flow with training taking place in Birmingham and London on various dates in the run-up to the competition.

At the last tournament, the England Mixed side failed to bring home a medal; and that’s something Laura wants to help rectify this year.

“We have been training so hard and we’re aiming to win but we definitely at least want a medal this time around. The England Ladies and the U21s are defending champions at this tournament so the challenge is on for us to join them as champions and hopefully we can all come back as winners.”

Laura is currently seeking financial support to make the trip to South Africa this Summer. Anyone interested in supporting Laura should contact lbutler@marjon.ac.uk or visit her GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/england-netball-NETs-2019-World-Championships.