Paignton Academy Welcomes England Netball Captain!

Paignton Academy recently welcomed England Netball Captain, Francesca Williams, for an exclusive Q&A session with the school’s netball teams.

Francesca is an English netballer who currently plays for West Coast Fever in the League. She has also been the captain of the England under-21 team and made her debut for the England national team in November 2018 against Uganda.

The special event not only provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with a sporting icon but also perfectly aligned with the school’s motto of ‘Believe and Achieve’. It inspired and motivated the young athletes, offering them the opportunity to interact with a renowned figure in the world of netball.

During the session, Francesca captivated the audience with stories from her career, emphasising the importance of hard work, teamwork, dedication, and resilience in achieving success both on and off the court.

Students actively participated in a Q&A session, asking insightful questions and gaining valuable insights into the world of elite-level netball. Her inspirational journey resonated deeply with the students, motivating them to dream big and strive for greatness in their own endeavours.

David Carpenter, Assistant Principal of Paignton Academy, said: 

“I am immensely grateful to Lovell Netball for arranging this opportunity for our students. It was an honour to have Fran Williams visit our school and share her wisdom with our students. Her visit not only motivates our netball teams but also reinforces the values of hard work and determination, empowering our students to dream big and strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives.

“Seeing our students captivated by such a significant encounter reinforces our commitment to providing enriching experiences that ignite passion and drive. Let’s harness this newfound energy and support our netball teams, as they embark on their journey to achieving their goals; I am confident they will continue to make us proud.” 

Bella, a Year 7 student at the Academy who had the opportunity to meet Fran, said: 

“Fran was so upbeat and polite, I was really proud to meet Fran and I would say the visit was life changing.”