SEVERN Stars have selected their first under 17s squad as they look to build for the future.

The final 16 were chosen from 130 young netballers who applied and took part in trials.

They will form the Stars Under 17 National Performance League training squad and compete against other Superleague junior sides in a tournament from tomorrow until Sunday.

Worcestershire's Thalia Letori, 16, Herefordshire's Hannah Howl, 14, Harriet Sanderson, 15, Tee Cowley, 16, Felicity Elvidge, 16, Isabella Robinson, 17, Alex Baird, 15, Katie Cruickshank, 16, Jane Taylor, 16, Beth Gabriel, 16, Katie White, 17, Zoe Lovibond, 15, Martha Scott, 17, Summer Knight, 15, Darcey Scott, 15, and Chloe Carchrie, 16, make up the squad.

The players are also from across Gloucestershire and Shropshire.

Stars will run five Nova Academies for under 17s from September in educational centres throughout the region.

Under 17s head coach Gilly Salter said: “I have been so impressed with the number of young netballers who are for the first time putting themselves on a court to represent Stars. 

"The numbers far exceeded our expectations and we have had to adjust our original plans to accommodate them all.

"They made life difficult for selectors as the standards were so high and the future certainly looks bright.”

Stars director of netball Pamela Cookey said: “It was great to see such a high turnout of players.

"The level of play shown by these young athletes definitely shows a bright future for our young rising Stars which we look to enhance further with our new Nova Academies.”