TWO promising players are hoping to “flourish” at Severn Stars after becoming the new professional netball club’s latest recruits.

University of Worcester third year student Rebecca Tildesley and Gloucester-based Lauren Brooks have signed for the franchise who are building towards their first Vitality Netball Superleague campaign.

The duo join fellow signings Becky Oatley, Sophie Carter, Eleanor Cardwell, Jodie Gibson and Laura Malcolm at the club.

Tildesley, 20, lives at home in Tipton, near Dudley, but for the last two years has been based in St John’s, Worcester while continuing her BSc Sports Therapy degree studies.

She was a training partner for Loughborough Lightning and has played for the England under 17 and under 21 teams and Staffordshire County.

She said: “I am so delighted to have been picked for Seven Stars.

“It's an amazing opportunity and I'm excited to be a part of the family and the experience that lies ahead. I cannot wait to improve as a player and learn from the best.

Rebecca, who plays in attack, said the team was a positive step for the area.

“It's amazing that we finally have a Superleague franchise right on our doorstep, it opens up new experiences for a netballer,” she added.

“It was difficult before as you had to travel a distance to get to a Superleague franchise. Now it's on your doorstep and will promote the Worcester area and hopefully bring people to the franchise and to play netball in the local area.”

Brooks, 22, has played for the England under-17s and under-19s and the University of Bath BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) first team in 2012/2013.

The mid-court player, who is returning to netball after two years away with a back injury, said: “I'm absolutely delighted. As a local player it's an honour to be a part of this brand new franchise.

“I have been coached by many good coaches over the years and moving forwards I am really looking forward to seeing the influence Mo'onia will have on the Severn Stars and me as an individual. “I feel very fortunate to be making a comeback and privileged to be a part of Severn Stars where I can train and play at this level.”

Head coach Mo'onia Gerrard said: “It has always been a priority of mine to include local talent in our squad and Lauren showed great prowess and has a great future ahead of her.

“Rebecca is also a local player and shows great confidence for her age.”

Joint director of netball Pamela Cookey, added: “Becky is showing something special in that shooting circle and Lauren has great vision in the mid court.

“I look forward to seeing it transferred into the Superleague setting and all flourish further under Mo'onia.”