Bedfordshire Player Development Programme Presentation Evening 2024

On May 20th the Bedfordshire County Netball Association held their annual presentation for the Player Development Programmes (PDP): the Under 13 Bedford and Luton Groups and the U15 Bedfordshire Group.  We were delighted to be joined by Gloria Keech and Alison Brightman, Chair and President of Bedfordshire County.

The evening began with a tournament organised by the PDP coaches where the three groups were mixed up and competed against each other.  Once completed the players joined their families and friends in the Bedford Academy dining area.  We were delighted that Tash Newland, a former member of the U15 PDP and now part of the Saracens Mavericks Futures Squad attended.  Her experience and determination shone through as she answered questions from players and helped hand out awards.

The coaches of each of the squads then gave a brief resume of the season before announcing their own awards to the following players:

U13 Luton Squad Coaches: Rachel Lewis and Victoria Topa

Trainer of the Season

Niamh Hardy

Most Improved Defender

Layla Bradley

Most Improved Mid-Court

Grace Taylor

Most Improved Shooter

Hania Arfa

Player’s Player

Layla Bradley

Coach’s Player

Chiara Patch

All players in the squad were presented with a 2023/24 PDP Bronze medal

U13 Bedford Squad Coaches: Caroline McNally and Jaime Balfe

Trainer of the Season

Lyla Hyams

Most Improved Defender

Natalija Borovicanin

Most Improved Mid-Court

Summer O’Kane

Most Improved Shooter

Holly Wilton

Player’s Player

Mia Moffat

Coach’s Player

Amy Child

All players in the squad were presented with a 2023/24 PDP Bronze medal

U15 Bedford Squad Coaches: Michelle Power and Sophie Randall

Trainer of the Season

Charlotte Davidson

Most Improved Defender

Zara Thornton-Curtis

Most Improved Mid-Court

Zara Booth

Most Improved Shooter

Ava Kelly

Player’s Player

Charlotte Davidson

Coach’s Player

Layla-Bo Dwyer

All first year players in the squad were presented with a 2023/24 PDP Silver medal and those leaving the PDP programme, a Gold medal.

Our thanks go to the families who support the players so well throughout the season.  Our guests, Gloria, Alison and Tash for giving up their time to attend the PDP Presentation evening.  And our coaches, whose enthusiasm, experience and dedication to progressing the players shined through.   Now the Bedfordshire Performance Group look forward to planning for the 24/25 season .  

Mandy Mistlin

Player Development Lead, Bedfordshire County Netball