A TEENAGE netball star has been selected for the Scotland squad ahead of a major championships this week.

Heidi Dawson, who plays for The Bass Rocketeers, has secured her spot in the Scotland under-17 squad who are taking part in the under-17 European Championship and Challenge events.

Scotland begin their campaign in the European Championships against the hosts Northern Ireland this evening (Thursday) before facing Wales, England and the United Arab Emirates.

Heidi, 16, described it as an “honour” to represent her country. She said: “I am honoured to be part of this squad and representing Scotland at the championships doing the sport I love.”

Sally Hetherington, chairwoman of North Berwick-based The Bass Rocketeers, congratulated the goal shooter, from Dirleton, on her success.

She said: “What an incredible achievement for Heidi.

“She joined the club when she was just 12, where she has been coached by Mary Ann Cosgrove for the last four years.

“She was successful in her trials to the Edinburgh District.

“Last season, she was picked for the U17s Scotland long squad but was unsuccessful in getting into the short squad. So this time, to hear that she has been successful, and all her hard work has paid off – well we could not be happier for her.

“Heidi has also been playing with the seniors first team in Division Two of the City of Edinburgh Netball Association (CENA) for the last two seasons.

“She works tirelessly to improve her netball.

“Even when netball was ceased due to Covid, she practised her skills at home daily.

“She is an inspiration to all the junior netballers out there – we are so very proud to have her as part of the club and wish her every success in her international career.”

The Europe Netball event, which runs until Sunday, is the pinnacle of the under-17 calendar and the first taste of international match play for many.

Nikki Lloyd, Scotland under-17 head coach, was looking forward to the event and highlighted it was a chance to win a first cap for the majority of the 12-strong squad.

She said: “The Europe Netball U17 Championships are a valuable opportunity for young athletes to experience all aspects of international competition and being an international athlete on and off the court.

“It provides a platform for them to perform on the international stage against England, Northern Ireland, Wales and United Arab Emirates and is a critical part of a young athlete’s development on their pathway to international journey. The U17s long squad are a talented and driven group and have consistently shown a strong desire to learn, grow and to understand what it means to represent Netball Scotland.”