First-year Sixth Form College student and talented netballer, Anna Adams has been selected into the Severn Stars Nova Academy squad on the performance pathway for elite netball. Anna’s coach, Brogan Griffiths was also successful in gaining the role of assistant coach for the squad. 

Severn Stars is a netball superleague franchise, one of the highest leagues before international netball streamed on live television. Severn Stars also offer player pathways which consist of 10 Under 17 Nova Academies, an under 19 and an under 21 national performance league squads. The Nova Academies are the next step up the pathway from County Academies and replace Regional and Regional Performance Academies. Anna was selected to play for the Severn Stars Nova Academy (Stafford) before Christmas and this is the start of her journey to play in the Superleague. 

Supported by her netball coach, Anna successfully made her online application for the squad in October 2020, Anna commented “I initially applied online and then attended a trial in October and was selected from there. I feel so fortunate and proud to be selected, so many talented players trialled.” 

Since joining the Sixth Form College, Anna quickly signed up to the college netball team and it was clear to her coach that she could compete at a high level. Netball Coach, Brogan Griffiths said, “Anna is a great asset in the netball college team, she is a very dedicated and committed player, always wanting to learn more. Over the season Anna has developed hugely within the college team implementing various new skills into her game.” 

“Anna took it upon herself to trial for the Severn Stars Nova Academy and was successful in gaining a position within the squad. Anna is a player who deserves this opportunity and I hope to see her progress through the elite athlete ladder.” 

Despite the Covid pandemic delaying games and affecting training for the Severn Stars Nova Academy squad, Anna is looking forward to playing with them. Anna said, “Due to Covid we had 3 months of online fitness training because we could not train face to face, we did not have much time in person to get to know each other before matches began. Now that restrictions are beginning to be slowly lifted it is great to start to get to know the squad and I am excited about the future.” 

Anna now has the opportunity to progress further into the under 19’s and under 21’s national performance league squads and long term into the Superleague team. 

Anna is currently studying for her A Levels in Law, Psychology and English Literature at Sixth Form College and she is also a member of the Talented Athletes Programme (TAP). TAP is a programme for students aiming to represent the college in regular competitive sport, they will experience quality coaching and access to top-class sports facilities. 

Sixth Form College netball coach and current England Nets player Brogan Griffiths has also successfully applied for the role of Assistant Coach for the Severn Stars Nova Academy (Stafford). Brogan saw the role advertised and knew that she wanted to give something back to netball and many years playing the sport, Brogan commented, “When I found out that I was successful in gaining the position, I knew it would give me so much more experience coaching on the performance pathway and possibly open up more opportunities in the future. Netball has given me so many opportunities over the years and having more Nova academies will only enhance talented participation in Netball.” 

Two incredible netball achievements from within the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, well done! 

Are you interested in our Talented Athletes Programme? Find out more e. admissions@stokesfc.ac.uk T. 01782 854221