Netball Super League | Two England Futures join Stars

Paige Reed, England

Two England U21 and Futures are the latest signings to join the Severn Stars squad.

Experienced Vitality Netball Superleague (VNSL) players Paige Reed and Halimat Adio say they are ready to hit the ground running and can’t wait to start building good relationships with the rest of the team, which is now in its third VNSL campaign.

The pair both have international experience, having previously represented England in their under 19s and under 21s squads.

Paige Reed was scouted at her school in Gloucester when she was 13 and previously played for Team Bath, but her career highlight to date has been playing for England under 21s against Australia. “I am both nervous and excited about playing for the Severn Stars this year. It’s a great opportunity for me to play with a good bunch of girls and will help me expand my skillset,” said the 21-year-old goal attack. She added: “I’m looking forward to getting back on the court and playing with a new combination of team mates. I want to become a consistent shooter and asset to the Stars and hope I can bring a fun style of play and a bit of banter to the team.”

This will be Halimat’s third VNSL season having already played for Mavericks and Wasps Netball. “I’m excited to see everyone, I know Sam Bird is a really good coach and I believe this squad will help me develop,” said the 20-year-old, who lives in Coventry. “When I do get match play I just bang it out and act like every match is my last. I have a lot of potential and can’t wait to get back on the court. I’m quite a loud character and want to help bring the new team together as a group.”

The pair will be joining fellow athletes Jodie Gibson, Iona Darroch, Lucy Harris, Maryka Holtzhausen, Sam Cook, Cara Lea Moseley, Georgia Rowe and Jodi-Ann Ward on the Severn Stars team, a joint franchise between the University of Worcester and University of Gloucestershire.

Severn Stars’ Head Coach, Sam Bird, said: “It is fantastic to have Paige and Halimat join the franchise. Paige is an exciting shooting player and was selected to play for England U21 in the Netball Europe Champs. Halimat is also an England Futures player and a fabulous defender. She has made the move from Wasps this year and forms part of a very strong defending unit for the Club. Both players represent the next generation of young England talent and I’m delighted to have them in our top 10 for this season.”

To check out the Severn Stars fixtures for this season and buy tickets visit www.severnstars.co.uk.

Tickets are now on sale for Super 10 – get your squad together and head to the season opener on Saturday 5th January 2019 at Arena Birmingham!