We had a great start to the busy netball season when the U13A & U14A netball teams travelled to Condover Hall for the GSA netball tournament earlier this term. It was a weekend of netball, fun and games, including climbing and abseiling! Both teams qualified for the trophy playoffs, with the U13A team finishing Top 4 (out of 29 teams), while the U14A team brought home silver medals after the final going into extra-time.

By Isabella, U13 team: On 18th September, the U13 Netball team set off to Condover Hall in Shropshire. It was a long drive but at a quick stop at the service station we met our team mascot Georgie Pig. When there, we set off to the dorms with a swift turn around to watch an interview with the WA and GS/GK from the Ugandan netball team. We were so lucky to see them!

 The next day as usual we had our quick run and breakfast. Then we started the day off with five different matches, winning each one meaning we were now in the Trophy round for Sunday. Later on Saturday a group of us decided to head off and do activities. This included the silent disco, aero ball, laser maze, trapeze, abseiling, climbing and stopped off a couple of times at the gift shop.

On Sunday we started strong with three wins but sadly lost against King Edwards A’s. Due to time we weren’t able to play for 3rd/4th which meant we still did really well coming top 4 out of 29 different teams. Even though we did not come home with medals my team and I had a great experience and really enjoyed playing netball and having fun all weekend together.

By Millie, U14 team: Last weekend, our U14A netball team went to Condover Hall for an exciting weekend full of teamwork, competition and fun. Everyone was excited to be going away, and we spent the journey chatting, laughing and enjoying ourselves. When we arrived at Condover Hall, we settled in and got ready for the weekend ahead. Saturday was full of fun, challenges and plenty of memorable moments. We had to work together as a team, encourage each other and try our best. We also had lots of injuries throughout the day, which definitely made things interesting! Despite this, we continued to support each other and enjoy the experience.

One of the most challenging parts of the weekend was the gruelling 7 am run! Getting up so early was definitely not easy, especially when we were tired, but we pushed ourselves and supported each other. It was a great example of how we worked together and encouraged one another, even when things got difficult.

Another exciting moment was getting to do a TikTok with Brie, the Nottingham Forest netball player! It was such a fun experience, and we loved having the opportunity to make a TikTok with her. It was definitely something we will remember from the weekend!

One of the biggest highlights of Saturday was the disco! We were the first school there and stayed for the entire two hours! We made the most of every minute, dancing, laughing and having fun together. We also made friends with people from other schools at the party, which made the evening even more special. What was so lovely was that these new friends were even cheering us on the next day during our games! It was amazing to see how quickly we had connected and how supportive everyone was, even though we had only just met.

The most exciting part of the weekend was the final, which went all the way to extra time! It was such a tense and competitive moment, and we had to give everything we had. We encouraged each other, worked together and stayed determined right until the end. Hearing people from other schools cheering us on made it even more exciting, and we were incredibly proud of how we played and supported one another.

Then came the exciting moment when we found out that we came second place! We were all so proud of ourselves and each other. Coming second was an amazing achievement, especially after such a competitive final that went to extra time. It was brilliant knowing that our hard work, teamwork and determination had paid off.

On Sunday, we packed our belongings and got ready to head home. We got back on the coach, and the journey gave us time to chat about the weekend and all the funny moments we had shared. Although we were tired, we were happy with our achievement and had lots of memories to look back on.

Overall, Condover Hall was such a fun and memorable weekend! From the petrol station stop on Friday to the gruelling 7 am run, making a TikTok with Bree, staying at the disco for the whole two hours, making friends with other schools and playing a thrilling final that went to extra time, there was so much to enjoy. I loved spending time with my team, laughing together and supporting each other.

Even though this is my last time going to Condover Hall, it will always have a special place in my heart. I am so grateful for all the memories, friendships and experiences I have made over the years. I am incredibly proud of my team and everything we achieved together, and I will remember this weekend for a long time.