Two Pathway Rhinos selected for England U19s

ENGLAND NETBALL REVEAL UNDER 19 SQUADS SET TO FACE SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

England U19s will face open sides from Scotland and Northern Ireland as curtain raiser matches to the Vitality Netball Horizon Series in December 2025. Before the Vitality Roses face the Jamaican Sunshine Girls at the Vitality Netball Horizon Series (VNHS) on 13 and 14 December, fans in the Copper Box Arena will be able to watch England U19s take on open teams from Scotland and Northern Ireland across the weekend. The squad selected to compete in these matches features young talent from the Netball Super League (NSL), NXT Gen League and Netball Performance League (NPL). 

Gracie Smith, who was part of London Pulse’s title winning 2025 NSL squad, has been selected alongside fellow London Pulse player Hannah Gibson, who was awarded NXT Gen League Player of the Season in 2025 and picked up a bronze medal at the Netball World Youth Cup this summer. Shannon Mahlik, who made her NSL debut for Manchester Thunder in 2025 has also been named in the squad.

England U19 squad:

David Parsons, Performance Director at England Netball said: “These fixtures give our U19 athletes an invaluable opportunity to gain international match experience in an arena environment. The squad represents the exciting talent emerging across our pathway, with players from the NPL, NXT Gen and Netball Super League all earning their place through consistent hard work and progression.

“As part of the Vitality Netball Horizon Series weekend, these matches offer fans the chance to see the next generation in action ahead of the Vitality Roses taking on the Sunshine Girls. With the Jamaican leg cancelled following Hurricane Melissa, we’re proud that these games will not only showcase developing talent but also contribute to the wider effort to support Jamaica’s recovery.”

The news follows confirmation that England’s home matches of the VNHS on 13 and 14 December will be the only fixtures taking place this year, after the cancellation of the Jamaican leg due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Fans will be able to enjoy a full weekend of elite netball while supporting Jamaica’s recovery efforts, with £1 from every ticket sold donated to Netball Jamaica’s chosen charity, World Central Kitchen (WCK). Tickets for both dates are available on the England Netball website.

On Saturday 13 December, England U19s will take on Scotland at midday, with doors to the arena opening at 11:00, before the Vitality Roses play Jamaica at 14:15. Then, on Sunday 14 December, doors will open at 11:15 before England U19 face Northern Ireland at 11:45, followed by England versus Jamaica at 14:00.

Vitality Netball Horizon Series Schedule
Saturday 13 December

• England U19 vs. Scotland – 12:00
• England vs. Jamaica – 14:15

Sunday 14 December

• England U19 vs. Northern Ireland – 11:45
• England vs. Jamaica – 14:00