As the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC2025) approaches, twins Tori and Mali Akinrinlola are buzzing with excitement. Born in England but having Jamaican grandparents, they chose to represent Jamaica’s Under-21 Sunshine Girls netball team, determined to make their mark on the international stage.

Both appear set to live that dream during the World Youth Cup which is scheduled to take place from September 19 to 28 at the Tercentenary Sports Hall and Europa Sports Park in Gibraltar.

Having always played together, the bond of the Akinrinlola twins gives them an undeniable edge on the court. The 21-year-old netballers are competing for the same positions — wing attack and centre — but instead of creating tension, it pushes them to be their best.

“I enjoy it. Obviously, we have always played netball together, and so I am quite used to playing in the same team as her and we have a good connection,” Tori said, reflecting on their experience playing together.

The chemistry between them is unmistakable, and their confidence grew with each practice session.

“It is really good playing on the Jamaican team with my twin. We normally play together anyways. It’s nice to support each other,” Mali told the Jamaica Observer.

Tori added: “We support each other at the end of the day, and it just makes us stronger. It’s nice to have a twin. It’s like having a best friend always there for you.”

Preparing for the tournament, they are aware they have to face tough competition. England, Wales, Tonga, and Sri Lanka are in their pool, and the matches are going to be intense, but the twins are determined.

“I think the style of play is different between the English and our team. I think we definitely have the chance to beat them. We just need to go out there with everything and smash it,” Mali said, her eyes shining with determination.

“I know quite a lot of the girls, and I want to beat them. I just want to go out there and give it my all,” she added with a grin.

The Jamaican team showed promise in practice games.

With their Jamaican heritage and passion for netball, Tori and Mali feel a deep connection to the team.

“My grandparents were born here, my mother [Allyson Landell] is Jamaican,” Tori, who was born a minute before her sister, explained.

“I’m enjoying the Jamaican culture. It’s good experience being able to hang out with the girls, and everyone really supports each other. I love Jamaica, and I wanted to represent the country at the international level,” Mali said.

The twins are determined to have each other’s backs and those of their teammates. They are ready to give it their all and show the world what they are capable of. The World Cup offers their chance to shine and, by all accounts, they are ready to seize it.

Jamaica’s English-born player Tori Akinrinlola (left) vies for the ball against a men’s team opponent during a practice game at the National Indoor Sports Centre on August 24, 2025. (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

MALI… it is really good playing on the Jamaican team with my twin