JERSEY netballer Serena Guthrie is off to Australia this weekend with the England under-21 squad who are touring as part of their build up towards the 2009 World Youth Championships.

Guthrie (18) and a full England cap, is part of a 16-player squad who will have matches against Australia’s full national side and under-21 sides from Australia and New Zealand.

The former Le Rocquier School student, who is supported by Ogier and now studies at Bath University, said: ‘The squad was announced just under two weeks ago and we’re all looking forward to the games. Australia are number one in the world and to be playing against them in our first game is going to be tough but also special.

‘I’m extremely proud to have been selected; it was a lovely feeling being told. They are going to be very challenging matches and I’m confident the squad will do well. This group of players have been together for three years now and as well as team mates we are all good friends.’