THE annual under-12 Netball Challenge Tournament will get under way on Saturday in the Gloucester Hall, Fort Regent, with six English teams facing three Jersey teams – two U12s and one U11 side.

The U11s have the bonus of being able to play against different teams, learning how to handle the more physical UK approach and with no particular pressure on them to win.

Since the Jersey U11s were first involved in this tournament, 11 years ago, they have produced unexpected wins and are rightly regarded, by many of the visiting teams, as the dark horses of the event.

Coach Jackie Nelson said: ‘My co-coach, Yveline Le Manach, and I think the U11s are one of the strongest sides in that age-group we’ve had, so I think they’ll get a lot of benefit from taking part in the competition.’ ‘Meanwhile, defending U12 champions Turnford will be reluctant to relinquish the trophy, and they always bring good quality players to Jersey.’ Jersey’s U12 teams – the Whites and the Reds – are skillful, determined and committed players.

Whites are relishing the opportunity to regain the trophy for Jersey.

‘The Reds have seven new players in their squad who, unusually, have not been part of the U11 set-up,’ Nelson said, adding: ‘The team has gelled well and all the girls are looking forward to the challenge.’ Jersey White: Holly d’Anger, Kim Pallot, Katie McGinty, Laura Francis (vice-capt), Laura Cook, Ellie Le Var, Alana Rondel (capt), Francesca Siodlak.

Jersey Red: Olivia Ward, Emma Le Maistre, Claudia Fry, Claudia Temple, Sophie Marie Rabet (vice-capt), Robyn Baker (capt), Harriet Kean, Abbi Syvret, Stephanie Devine.

Jersey U11: Romy Smith, Lucy Le Lièvre, Charlotte Ng, Lindsey Paton (vice capt), Amelia Jones (capt), Hannah Jauncey, Shadine Duquemin, Melissa Luis, Kathryn Brammer, Zoe Cabot.

Coaches: Jackie Nelson, Yveline Le Manach On Sunday eight of Jersey’s youth netball teams – as well as an Island U11 side, compete against the visiting English teams.

The U11 squad will comprise the girls who missed out on an opportunity to play in Saturday’s tournament.

The event is a major boost to the U11s training programme ahead of their meeting with old rivals Redbridge next month.

Visiting teams: Weston Park, Turnford A and B, Essex Open Maroon, Essex Open Blue, Bournemouth.

Jersey teams: St Ouen Yellow, St Clement, Convent, St Lawrence Babes, St Ouen Cherubs, Accies Acorns, Accies Angels, St Lawrence Chicks.

The event has been sponsored by Education, Sport and Culture.