The PDP is the first step on the England Netball Player Pathway, taking athletes from Under 13 to Under 15.  It is for the most talented young athletes/players who we feel are displaying high potential and are ready to improve their netball skills further.  The players are supported and challenged by the best coaches in an optimal learning environment.  The County PDPs focus on individual athlete development rather than establishing squads or teams for competition.  The PDPs focus on technical, tactical, physical and psychological skills to help athletes reach their maximum potential, develop a lifelong passion for the sport, and for some, to progress into senior domestic and international netball.   There is no regular match play through the PDP but there will be some development games arranged against other county PDP‘s and an inter-county tournament at the end of the programme. For this reason, we recommend that the players do this programme in addition to their regular club/regional and/or school netball.

 

Players are selected through pre-trials in June and trials in September for the programme which runs from October-May.  
Trials in June are for talented players, endorsed by their clubs or school, who are not already in a County PDP or NSL programme.  Candidates must be endorsed by their Club coach or School PE teacher, who will know the criteria for assessment and the level of play expected to be successful at these trials.  Trials in September are then for those currently in a county PDP or NSL programme, and for those successfully selected from the June trials.  Only 20 athletes are selected for each age group, Under 13 and Under 15.  

 

The PDP age groups are as follows:  

1. U13 - This is open to players who will be in school years 7 or 8 from September of the year the programme starts
   Must be under 13 years of age on 1st September

2. U15 - This is open to players who will be in school years 9 or 10 from September of the year the programme starts.  Must be under 15 years of age on 1st September​​​

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