NIC Leeds Rhinos Netball U15 Academy Trials 2026 – Now Open

NIC Leeds Rhinos Netball are pleased to announce that the U15 Academy Trial process for the 2026 season is now open, with selections beginning at the end of April.

We are inviting nominations for talented young athletes across the Yorkshire and North East regions to be considered for our U15 Academy programme, which forms part of the England Netball pathway.

Selection Process

The selection process will take place across several stages:

• April 2026 – Attendance at a number of training sessions with the U15 coaching teams
• May 2026 – Long Squad selection announced
• Summer 2026 – Ongoing training programme
• 3rd–6th September 2026 – Tournament competition dates

This structured process allows our coaching team to observe athletes over time and ensure a fair and comprehensive selection.

Nomination Process

• County coaches are responsible for nominating athletes who meet the eligibility criteria.
• Athletes not currently in a Yorkshire or North East County Programme, but who live or attend school in the region, can request a nomination form by emailing:
  francine.hall@therhinos.co.uk

We encourage early nominations to allow sufficient time for planning and communication ahead of trials.

Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible for Leeds Rhinos U15 Academy Trials (England Netball Pathway), athletes must meet one or more of the following:

• Be an ‘exceptional’ U15 player currently placed in a PDP/NPL squad
• Be registered to a County U15 PDP within one of our four assigned counties in the Yorkshire or North East region
• Be registered to another County PDP but:
• Live within, or
• Attend school within, the geographical boundaries of our assigned counties
• Be registered to another County PDP but demonstrate that the Leeds Rhinos Academy training venue is closer to their home or school than their assigned programme (subject to England Netball approval)

Please note:
Players currently in U13 or U14 programmes are not eligible, unless they are also part of a County PDP.

Important Deadlines

• Yorkshire nominations close: 15th April 2026
• North East nominations close: 17th April 2026

All athletes must be registered on ENgage and linked to their County PDP or Franchise by these deadlines.

Trial Dates

Yorkshire Trials:

• 20th April
• 22nd April
• 27th April
• 29th April

North East Trials:

• 22nd April
• 29th April

Further Information

We understand there may be questions around the process and eligibility. For any enquiries, please contact: francine.hall@therhinos.co.uk