By Anya Markovitz, Year 10
The Swiss national netball team took gold this year at Netball Europe’s U17 Challenge Cup. The event, which took place from the 8-10 March, included 4 matches for Switzerland against the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, Malta, and this year’s host country Gibraltar. All games were livestreamed and can be rewatched on Netball Europe’s youtube.
The team successfully managed to win all their matches with the following scores: 46-35 against Republic of Ireland, 38-31 against the host Gibraltar, 79-17 against Malta, and concluding the tournament with a score of 50-29 against Isle of Man. This triumphant victory will allow them to move forward to the highest U17 division of Netball Europe next year, where the Swiss team will compete against England, Scotland, Wales, and United Arab Emirates.
The 12 girls selected to compete at the Challenge Cup included 3 of our very own LGB girls – Akemi Sabatier, Aislinn de Buitleir, and Mia Smith. Below is an interview with the 3 athletes.
How long have you been on the Swiss national U17 netball team?
AS: This is my first year in the team.
MS: I trialed for the U17 Swiss team in June 2017, so it’s been nearly 2 years.
AB: I’ve been on the U17 team for 2 years.
How was this years experience at the netball cup?
AS: It was an amazing experience getting to play for a national team and everyone in the team was so supportive especially since it was my first year.
MS: This year’s experience was just so amazing! The only downside was my ankle injury which prevented me from playing in some of the matches. Overall I’m just still so ecstatic about our win and so proud of everyone!
AB: The experience was absolutely incredible. It was very stressful, but really fun in the end. I’ve learnt so much and I really do feel like I’ve developed as a player by playing against all these very competitive teams and learning about their techniques and how to adapt in that kind of environment. It required a lot of effort and fitness beforehand but it was definitely worth it.
How do you think the team pulled off the win?
AS: This year’s team was a very strong one but I think the team pulled off the win thanks to the great teamwork on court and the many hours of training everyone has dedicated to the team.
MS: I think the team really bonded and stuck together throughout the tournament which played a major part in our win. We carried on even though at some points a lot of girls were injured. But we still managed to come first, with of course the amazing support and help from the coaches and parents/fans.
AB: Our team is very determined, and we know we can play good netball. The second match against Gibraltar was tough, and at one point we were 10 points behind, but we were able to get it back because of our determination and constant pressure. We really outdid ourselves, pushing to the last minute to catch up and win the match.
How do you feel about moving up to the highest and most competitive division next year?
AS: I think next year’s competition is going to be a tough one, but it will be a once in a lifetime experience and I believe we can pull through once again!
MS: I am very nervous but also so excited. I know it is going to be an amazing experience and I hope to learn a lot from it and to come back proud, having played for my country.
AB: I really hope that this win will generate more awareness about Swiss netball and what netball is in general. I’m really looking forward to next year’s championships, I think it will be a big challenge and we’re going to have to work very hard during those few months until next time. We’re going to really have to improve our fitness, especially playing against England, which has the best teams in the world. We’ll be playing Emirates too who we unfortunately lost to last year, so we’ll see how that goes. It’s a great achievement for Swiss netball considering it’s such a small country.
Why do you play netball?
AS: I play netball because it’s a sport I love and that I’ve grown up with, and I especially love playing it with my friends and teammates from the school, my club, and the Swiss team.
MS: I play netball because I really love being part of a team. Netball is a very unique sport in the sense that you can’t play without using everyone on court. I tried playing more individual sports before trying netball and I never really enjoyed them. Netball has helped me become a team player and make lots of new friends.
AB: I started netball at a very young age, and I really enjoyed it because it requires lots of movement and running, but also strategic thinking. I really enjoy it and the thrill you get after winning a match. It’s a great feeling knowing that you’ve done your best.
