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A student netballer from Blackwood has been called up to represent Wales in an upcoming European competition.

Sarie Watkins, 18, has been selected for the Wales Under-21 side ahead of the U21 Netball Europe tournament, which is being played in Sheffield.

The tournament, which gets underway on Friday October 6, concludes on Sunday October 8.

Sarie, who is in her first year studying Physical Education and Sports Coaching at the University of Worcestershire, said she was “over the moon” with her call-up.

The shooter said: “I think being with the girls and management team is something I always look forward to because they’re all such great people, however I’m also looking forward to seeing what performances we can put out there as a team.”

Wales will be joined in the competition by teams from England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Sarie’s selection comes after playing her part in Wales’ successful netball world cup campaign in South Africa during the summer, where the team finished ninth.

She has also played for Wales at U17 level.

Since heading to university, Sarie has had a trial with the Seven Stars Netball Performance League U21s, and has joined Worcester Netball Club – where she competes in their Premier League 2 team.

She also plays for her university’s first team.

Sarie first took up the sport aged nine, following in her mother’s footsteps.

The 18-year-old said: “My mum also played netball for Wales, and so as soon as I was old enough to fully understand the game she took me straight to my first ever local netball club, and I loved it.

“I like netball because it’s just such a great way to make life-long friends, who ultimately become like a second family to you.

“The amount of opportunities it has given me is a key reason as to why I love netball, and most of those don’t come around very often – which is why I’m beyond grateful for them.”

Sarie has her sights on competing in the World Youth Cup and the Commonwealth Games next.