Elite Athlete at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre Selected to Join the England Roses Netball Academy

A talented and dedicated student at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre – who is developing her sports performance through the successful Elite Athlete Programme at College – has been recognised as one of the nation’s up-and-coming netball stars.

A Level student, Bridget Morgan (16), from Fence, a former pupil at Westholme School, Blackburn, has been selected for the England Roses Netball Academy, which nurtures the talent of the country’s best players.

Bridget combines her training with the Elite Athlete Programme, which provides expert Strength and Conditioning coaching to committed young athletes who are already competing at regional, national and international standard, alongside her studies in English Language, Physical Education and Psychology.

Bridget, who plays in Goal Attack or Goal Shooter position, has been involved with the Roses Academy since 2019, when she was selected from a week-long trial camp, although her passion for netball started from a young age.

She said:

“I first started playing netball in Year 3, joining Ribble Valley Netball Club shortly after. My love of the game sparked from my first Netball Coach who was extremely encouraging and made me feel very welcome at the club. It’s a game I get to play with some of my best friends and I love playing every minute of every game.

“To be reselected again this season is super exciting for me as it means I get to continue pushing myself and play with some amazing players from across the country.”

Selection for the Roses Academy means Bridget will have access to coaching from top national netball coaches alongside her regular coaching as a member of the Manchester Thunder team. Combined with the individualised Strength and Conditioning training she receives at College, Bridget is on track to becoming the best athlete she can be and reach her full potential in this competitive sport.

Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach at Burnley College Nathan Norris added:

“We’re proud of Bridget’s achievement. Her success shows what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

“As a member of the Elite Athlete Programme, Bridget has access to the very best Strength and Conditioning training, nutritional advice, sports psychology and physiotherapy to help her reach her sporting goals.

“We’re sure that Bridget will continue on her upward trajectory in Netball and will be recognised as one of the country’s top players, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.”

Are you passionate about your chosen sport? Do you want to take your talent to the next level with the support of professional athletes and expert trainers? Discover your potential and see how far you can go with our Elite Athlete Programme at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre alongside your chosen academic route. Our Elite Athletes go on to participate in their chosen sport at professional levels and progress to become Olympians.  For more information on the Elite Athlete Programme and sports and fitness excellence at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre, visit www.burnley.ac.uk/sixth-form-home/training-academy/, or contact [email protected] today.