A UNIVERSITY of Worcester student has received a call-up to England’s under-21 netball squad for a tour of Australia in the New Year.
Issy Eaton, a third year PE and sports coaching student, will compete in a Tri-Series against Australia and New Zealand.
England will face both nations three times over the space of three weeks.
Eaton earned a place in the Roses Academy for the 2024/25 season in September.
The academy is the England Netball Player Pathway which supports young athletes on their journey towards becoming potential England internationals.
Eaton said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out, it was such exciting news.
“To hear that I’d made it back into the programme back in September was big enough news for me and to then find out I’d be travelling to Australia in January was just incredible.
“It feels amazing. It’s always nice to put the red dress on and represent England.
“Some of the Australia girls play in the professional league out there so to be able to challenge ourselves and play against some of the best in the world is just amazing.
“I’m going to gain and learn so much while I’m out there.”
The former Severn Stars goal shooter is embarking on her first tour as part of the Roses Academy.
She previously represented England at under-21 level in Europe.
Eaton added: “I’ll be training on my own and it’ll be pretty full on. I’ll be in the gym keeping my fitness up, but it will be nice to go home and spend some time with my family.
“To be training and playing as much as I am is quite difficult, but the University has been absolutely brilliant in supporting me, they honestly couldn’t have done any more.
“My personal academic tutor has been there for me since my first year at university, and she just gets me.
“She’s there when I need her, and because I’m doing a sports course the lecturers all understand my commitments and they’re all really good at supporting me.”
