Yabsley blazing a trail

Although still just 15, the Guernsey starlet recently made one decent step towards such lofty ambitions when she impressed Superleague franchise London Pulse in trials and became one of 24 young netballers to qualify for regular sessions at their Reigate regional hub.

This is the latest promising development for Yabsley, who first picked up netball as a Year 4 student, later joined Sarnians and is now in her second season of playing for the U18 Blaze B team in the Premier Division.

Notably, she rose to the occasion of last season’s ‘Prem’ debut and became the youngest winner of the division’s Player of the Year award.

‘Receiving the award made my mum really proud, which made me happy – I was definitely not expecting it,’ said the daughter of Guernsey Netball Association stalwart Bridget Yabsley.

‘I’ve found it very beneficial playing in Blaze and it’s been a lot more challenging in “Prem”. I’m really enjoying it.’

That local success paved the way to bigger things.

Yabsley has previous off-island experience from various age-group inter-insulars, plus at U14 regional level, but she faced a new test this summer when the GNA put her forward to trial for Surrey Storm.

Unfortunately, Yabsley fell short. But she addressed that at the subsequent Pulse trials, attended by over 800 budding netballers.

‘I was really happy that I made it through,’ she added.

‘Everyone at the Pulse trials were really encouraging. My trials beforehand at Surrey Storm made me realise that I needed to be more confident in my next ones.’

Mission accomplished, and Yabsley recently attended her first session, which she called ‘full on’ compared to Panthers.

She now hopes to travel fortnightly to attend training and possibly tournament fixtures.

Ahead of the next steps on London Pulse’s Performance Pathway – U17/U19 Futures and the National Performance League squads – she hopes to go to sixth form in England.

As for one day, maybe, playing at the top level of English and international netball?

‘It would mean a lot because I enjoy netball and representing the island,’ Yabsley added.

‘It would make my mum and dad proud and it’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was little.’

Blaze coach Nena Copperwaite has great praise for the youngster.

Still representing Blaze B when available, Yabsley has been a ‘delight to coach’ according to Copperwaite.

‘She’s been committed in terms of always showing up to training and has really taken on board everything that’s been asked of her.

‘As well as slotting into the team so well both from a playing point and on a social level, she’s been a real asset to Blaze B and has provided a solid shooting performance every time she plays.

‘Although she’s still learning her trade in the circle, Vicky is always so composed on court and her shooting accuracy is fantastic.

‘If I could ask of one thing from her it would just be to have more confidence in how much potential she has and how good she is.’