As the Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC) 2025 approaches, Jamaica’s Under-21 team is gearing up for the biggest challenge of their lives. Under the guidance of team manager Suzette Townsend, the squad has been settling into their accommodations in Gibraltar, preparing to take on the best young netballers from around the globe.

The NWYC will take place from today to September 28 at two main competition venues — the Tercentenary Sports Hall and the Europa Sports Park.

The team arrived in Gibraltar last week giving it what it hopes is ample time to acclimatise and settle into its surroundings. Townsend says the players are adjusting well to the facilities and accommodations at their camp — the Grand Central House in Gibraltar’s City Centre.

“The players are adjusting well. Gibraltar has a climate similar to Jamaica, and the area is quiet, which helps the team settle in. The accommodations are comfortable and allow the squad to stay focused on the tournament,” Townsend told the Jamaica Observer.

With logistics being a top priority, Townsend assured that everything is running smoothly.

“Gibraltar is a very small country, so transportation is easy to manage, and walking is often an option for us. We also travelled with our own chef from Jamaica, ensuring that the players receive familiar and well-balanced meals,” she explained.

The safety and well-being of the players are also a top concern. Townsend says the team is in a safe area, and each player is covered under the Government of Jamaica’s health insurance.

“Additionally, our team doctor and physio are with us, and our team psychologist is on call should the players need support,” she said.

“We have a strong support team with us, including our doctor, physiotherapist, and psychologist. With the addition of our chef, the players’ nutrition, recovery, and overall wellness are being carefully monitored and managed.

“Because we were the first team to arrive in Gibraltar last Thursday, we’ve had ample time to acclimatise and settle. Our schedule balances training sessions, rest, and recovery, with travel times kept minimal given the country’s compact size.”

As the tournament approaches, Townsend is focused on keeping the team motivated and focused.

“Motivation is a priority,” she said. “We hold regular team talks, include fun activities to keep spirits high, and celebrate personal milestones like birthdays. Jessica Chaplain’s birthday on the 17th and Kaydeen Gordon’s birthday on the 18th are special moments we’ll mark together as a team family.”

The young Sunshine Girls have been drawn in Pool C and will play England, Tonga, Wales, and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each of the four pools will advance to the quarter-finals.

Jamaica will start against Tonga on Sunday at 3:00 am (Jamaica time). They will next play Sri Lanka on Monday, then Wales on Tuesday, then close out the preliminary round against England on Wednesday.

Squad — Roxonna McLean (captain), Shaqwan Hamilton (vice-captain), Jada Ricketts, Kaydeen Gordon, Nickesha Powell, Jessica Chaplain, Deandra Edwards, Fentonian Henry, Evelyn Smith,Tianna Reid, Tori Akinrinlalo, and Azara Wilmot.

Reserves — De-Eziah Martin, Shanai Martin and twin sister Mali Akinrinlola.

Members of Jamaica’s Under-21 team hit the streets of Gibraltar heading for a training session. (Photo: Collin Reid courtesy of KFC and SVL).

TOWNSEND…The accommodations are comfortable and allow the squad to stay focused on the tournament (Photo: Collin Reid courtesy of KFC and SVL).

Members of Jamaica’s Under-21 netballers during a recent training session. (Photo: Collin Reid courtesy of KFC and SVL).