Teenage Netball Star Gracie Smith Joins England's Roses Programme
Smith, 17, included in latest Roses programme
Image: The Bbc
17-year-old Gracie Smith has been selected for England's Roses programme for 2026-27, following her impressive performances in the Netball Super League. This programme aims to develop players for future international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Cup.
- 01Gracie Smith debuted in the Netball Super League at 16 and won the title in 2025.
- 02The Roses programme includes 21 players, featuring both seasoned athletes and newcomers.
- 03Head coach Anna Stembridge expressed confidence in the team's potential for upcoming competitions.
- 04The revamped Future Roses programme will now be called Roses A to better prepare players for senior levels.
- 05Four players in the Roses programme currently compete in Australia, while the rest are based in the UK.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Gracie Smith, a 17-year-old netball player, has been named in England's Roses programme for the 2026-27 season after her standout performances in the Netball Super League. Smith, who won the NSL title at just 16, has played 12 matches this season for London Pulse. The Roses programme, which supports player development, includes 21 athletes, among them defenders Alice Harvey and Jayda Pechova, who return from the Future Roses programme, and Ella Clark, making her first appearance since 2023. Head coach Anna Stembridge expressed excitement about the talent and diversity within the squad, emphasizing their potential for success in the upcoming Commonwealth Games and the 2027 Netball World Cup. Additionally, England Netball has restructured its Future Roses programme, now termed Roses A, to enhance player readiness for senior competition.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The inclusion of young talents like Gracie Smith in the Roses programme may inspire more youth participation in netball across England.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think of Gracie Smith's inclusion in the Roses programme?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.