National squad hockey success for Kilgraston pupil
Lower Sixth’s Lexie has had a phenomenal summer playing for Scotland under 17 squad, winning three caps in a matter of months. Lexie, who has been playing hockey for seven years, plays for a number of hockey squads including Perthshire’s First XI team.
She said: “This year has been a great year for my hockey. I started of going to trial out for a regional team called Dundee Devils. I was really thankful to be selected for this and I was made captain of the team.
“Then, at the start of the summer holidays, I was scouted to play for Scotland and over summer I played for Scotland against England in Leeds, then again for Scotland against Wales where I scored two goals at the School Games. At the end of the holidays, Scotland played in a tournament called Futures cup in St Albans, near London and we won the bronze medal and that meant I won my third cap for Scotland all in the space of a few months.”
But when it comes to sport, Lexis does not just shine at hockey, she also has superb tennis skills and has also played District netball. She said: “I play tennis for my club and have played for north of Scotland.
“The tennis facilities at Kilgraston are amazing with two different types of courts and a very hard working and dedicated coach. Last year I also played netball for Perth and District but I struggled to fit everything in so I had to drop netball at this level but I’m looking forward to playing for the school.”
In the future Lexie would like to continue to her sport. She said: “I would like to go to university and do something sport related but I’m not quite sure at the moment. The school have wonderful facilities to accommodate hockey, from our all-weather pitch to the gym in the PE department and the hockey coaches initially with Mrs Stott and now with Mr Stott, have all helped me on this journey.”
Amazing work Lexie, we are all so proud of you.
Kilgraston pupil wins place on Netball Scotland Ambassador Programme
Kilgraston pupil, Lower Sixth’s India, has just won a place on the Netball Scotland Ambassador Programme. The scheme is for young people aged between 14 and 25 years old and they are selected to represent the voice of young people. India is one of just fifteen others, and she will take part in the one year program, playing a key role in influencing the future development of netball.
India said: “I want to promote the positive values of netball as a sport and hopefully grow the future of netball by making it more diverse and adding an extra stepping stone of U19 across all levels. I am excited to meet and work with others who share my love for the sport and am proud to be a voice for the next generation of players.”
Here is our quick-fire Q&A with India:
How long have you been playing netball?
I started playing netball when I eight or nine years old. I have been playing ever since so that would be about eight years now.
What position do you typically play?
I always play in the shooting circle, preferably at GA but I often wear the GS bib. It is important to be able to play in a variety of positions across the court. This helps improve your game and is something that is encouraged by the Scotland Academy.
What teams do you play for?
I have played for many different teams over the years and currently play in the National Academy Hub, Perth & Kinross U17 District team, Perth U17 and in the Perth ladies league. I am also captain of the Kilgraston Senior Team.
What is the best thing about playing netball?
The best thing about playing netball is definitely the people you meet along the way, and the memories you share with them. I have met some of the most incredible and inspiring people on my journey. The feeling when you win a league or a tournament and can share the experience with those around you is unmatched. I have so many close friends up and down the country that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet if it weren’t for netball. Besides the social benefits, netball is great to keep you fit and healthy. It is a difficult sport to play as you need to think about so much when you are on court.
What is Netball Scotland’s Ambassador Programme?
Netball Scotland’s Ambassador Programme is a platform where young people, like myself, can share their views and influence the future development of netball in Scotland. The programme lasts one year and allows me to represent the voice of young people across Scotland.
What is the benefits of this programme?
As a Netball Scotland Ambassador, I am hoping to promote the positive values of netball and help shape the future of netball by making it more diverse. I would like to see an extra stepping-stone of an U19 age group across all levels. I am so excited to meet and work with others who share my love of netball and am proud to be a voice for the next generation of players.
What would you say to anyone who hasn’t played netball before?
I would tell anyone who hasn’t played netball before to get involved! It may seem daunting at first, but it is a team sport, and everyone is very supportive. Even if you aren’t interested in playing at a high level, it is very sociable so you will meet loads of amazing people. The netball court is a place where you can unwind and also gain lots of new skills. You never know, you might just love it!
Well done to India, and all the other Netball Scotland Ambassadors.