Netball France is launching a new look Development Hub & Junior National Squad Program for the 2023/2024 season, as part of the Netball France Performance Pathway. As such, we are opening expressions of interest for participating in these programs. There are opportunities for all genders across both programs, with the age for both programs being Under 21 (born 2003 or later). Athletes will be assessed based on their age and level of experience, and will not be penalised due to their age.
JUNIOR NATIONAL SQUAD
The Junior National Squad is the second step on our Performance Pathway. It provides
athletes access to a development/performance environment where they will experience training and competition, may have opportunities to represent France at Junior International level, and focuses on developing talent. It is delivered in a camp based format.
The junior national squad program will run as a modified version of the senior national squad program, i.e. a combination of in person camps and at home programs, with the aim of setting a standard of play and professionalism at performance level in France and best preparing juniors to compete at U17, U19, and U21 international level, and to hopefully one day make the jump to the senior squad (with the understanding that this is not guaranteed for any athlete).
A camp will be held approximately every 2 months and will run for 2 full days (Saturday and Sunday). The aim will be to have the locations spread around the country, to best share the responsibilities of travel for athletes. There will be 5 camps in the season, with an additional competition opportunity at the end of the season, likely against a junior national squad from another European nation.
The currently predicted dates & locations for the Junior National Squad can be found below. Best efforts have been made where possible to avoid school holidays & exam periods, however please note we are extremely restricted by venue access and the senior international calendar. Please note that all dates & locations are considered TBC until confirmed by Netball France.
- 25-26 November 2023 - Training Camp - Toulouse
- early January 2024 - Training Camp - Paris
- late March 2024 - Training Camp - TBC
- late May 2024 - Training Camp - TBC
- late July 2024 - Training Camp - TBC
- early August 2024 - Competition (select athletes only) - TBC
All athletes on the Junior National Squad will also be expected to participate in the Netball France Development Hub. Allowances may be made in exceptional circumstances.
Further information on the program, including re: travel and hosting for camps, will be sent to selected athletes before they are required to confirm their place on the squad.
TRIALS & SELECTIONS
No formal trials will be held for the Netball France Development Hub or Junior National Squad.
Athletes who were selected for the Junior National Squad last year will automatically be re-offered their place for the 2023/2024 season. This will be a one-off occurrence, due to no junior national squad running in the 2022/2023 season.
Athletes who were not selected for the Junior National Squad last year will be need to be scouted at the CDFDN23 and/or trial.
Talent identification will happen at the CDFDN23, and athletes may be offered a place on the junior national squad and/or junior development program based on their performance at the event. Athletes who are in attendance at the event will be contacted if they have been selected for either program by 29th September 2023
There will be an option to trial for the programs for those who are not available to attend the CDFDN23 or who are not selected from the event, and athletes not selected or not in attendance at the event who have filled out the registration form will be contacted by 9th October 2023 with their trial options. Please note this is likely to be at the first training session for an in person development hub, via an online recording for the online development hub, or at the first day of the first training camp for the junior national squad.
Please note that no athlete is guaranteed selection into either program, this form is only an expression of interest.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
Netball France Development Hub
It is estimated the 2023/2024 season of will cost approximately €250 for in person hub athletes, with a TBC reduced cost for online hub athletes. This will cover all development hub training sessions & a development hub shirt. Payment plans will be available.
Junior National Squad
It is estimated the 2023/2024 season of the Junior National Squad will cost approximately €250 including 5 x training camps and your national squad shirt. Competition will be at an extra cost to athletes selected to participate. Payment plans will be available.
Athletes are also responsible for the cost of all travel to/from training camps (hosting with the local club will be provided at training camps to reduce accommodation costs), and any other costs that may be associated with participating in the program.
Selected athletes are encouraged to seek individual sponsorship opportunities and organise team fundraising activities to reduce the financial commitment.
No refunds will be given if an Athlete is suspended or de-selected.
With regards to competition fees, the total fee will be dependent on the length of competition, location, etc. By agreeing to be part of the Junior National Squad Program, Athletes agree to pay these fees if selected.
If an Athlete is in financial difficulty or the cost of the program is a barrier to their participation, please do not prevent yourself from trialling – contact Netball France at contact@netballfrance.com to discuss options.
FINAL NOTES
We understand that our juniors have other commitments outside of netball, and for many of our juniors, joining one or both of these programs can be a big step up for them. Coaching staff will work with athletes to ensure they are able to fit their netball commitments around their schooling and/or other commitments, and to ensure athletes are not overloaded if they are selected into both programs.
Selected athletes will receive further information via email before they are required to accept their place in either program.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CLOSE 7TH OCTOBER 2023.
Please note that while there is some crossover, the Development Hub and National Squad programs are two separate programs. Athletes are not guaranteed selection into either or both programs, and each program has a different goal.
