Dragons Pathway Squads Ready for 2026 NPL Tournament

17 July 2026

The Dragons U17 and U19 squads are preparing to compete at the 2026 Netball Performance League Tournament, taking place from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July at the David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham.

Organised by England Netball, the three-day tournament brings together some of the most talented young athletes within the performance pathway. It provides a highly competitive environment designed to reflect the demands athletes may experience at international level.

The culmination of a season’s work

For the Dragons Pathway athletes, the tournament marks the culmination of nine months of hard work, commitment and continuous development.

Throughout the season, both squads have challenged themselves in training and fixtures at home and away, gaining valuable experience against high-quality opposition and developing their technical, tactical, physical and psychological skills.

Every training session, match and challenge has provided an opportunity for the athletes to grow in confidence, resilience and performance.

The tournament now gives them an opportunity to bring those lessons together, test themselves against some of the strongest young players in the country and showcase the progress they have made throughout the season.

Dragons U17S ready to embrace the challenge

For the Dragons U17s, the tournament represents more than results. It is a celebration of the journey the athletes have shared and an opportunity to demonstrate the values they have developed throughout the season.

The squad has focused on building confident decision-makers, accountable teammates and resilient performers who support one another in pursuit of excellence.

Dragons U17 Head Coach Sian Ruttley said:

“Selection is never easy, and every athlete involved in our programme has contributed to the growth of this team throughout the season. The athletes selected have earned this opportunity through their commitment, work ethic and willingness to learn.

“This tournament is about more than results. It is about embracing challenge, performing under pressure and continuing to develop as players and people.

“We want our athletes to play with courage, discipline and pride, representing the Dragons family in everything they do.”

The U17s aim is simple: to improve with every performance, enjoy their netball and embrace the physical and mental challenges presented by the tournament.

Among the athletes to watch is Milla Crew, who has returned to competition following an ACL injury 18 months ago.

Ella Ronan joined the NPL season in round nine and has since made significant progress within the programme.

Dragons captain Sophie Thomas also enters the tournament following a successful season in which she received both the squad’s MVP and Coaches’ Player of the Season awards.

Experienced U19 leadership group ready to step up

The Dragons U19 squad has approached its preparations with determination and focus, with several athletes bringing previous NPL match and tournament experience into the weekend.

The leadership group of Isabella Badmington Fowler, Maddy Harford and Millie White will use that experience to support the wider squad as they aim to produce their strongest possible performances.

Dragons U19 Head Coach Melanie Hellerman said:

“After nine months of hard work, commitment and continuous development, our Dragons Pathway athletes are preparing to compete in the National Performance League Tournament, the pinnacle of their season.

“The tournament is not only an opportunity to compete at the highest level, but also a celebration of the commitment and determination demonstrated by every athlete on their journey to this stage.

“The squad has been determined and focused in training, and our experienced leadership group is looking forward to leading the team as we strive for our best competition outcomes.”