Barbados names final squad for Netball World Youth Cup

Barbados has confirmed its Under-21 netball team for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, set to take place in Gibraltar from September 19 to 28.

The Baby Gems qualified for the prestigious tournament after finishing second at the Americas regional qualifiers in Guadeloupe last year.

Their campaign included a dominant 75–18 victory over Sint Maarten and solid performances throughout the event.

The squad features a mix of emerging talent from across the island’s top clubs and will be led by an experienced five-member management team.

Head coach Julie Phillips has expressed confidence in the players’ readiness, highlighting notable improvements in both shooting and defensive structures during their build-up.

Barbados has been drawn in Pool D, where they will face South Africa, Fiji, Malawi, and Caribbean neighbours Trinidad and Tobago.

The group is expected to be one of the most competitive in the tournament.

The team is scheduled to travel to Gibraltar in early September, where they are expected to take part in warm-up matches before the tournament gets underway. (PR)

Barbados U21 Netball Squad – Netball World Youth Cup 2025

Azaria Alleyne, Damia Walrond, Dessani Waithe, Destinee Brewster, Kezia Watts, Kijana Johnson, Quinesha Cox, Rianna Wiggins, Rynia Ifill, Trinity Gibson, Zakelia Small, Zara Branch

Reserves: Chelsea Best, Kenechi Jederon-Harris, Deeya Forde-Haynes

Management Team: Lynette Holder (Manager), Julie Phillips (Head Coach), Jasper Blades (Trainer), Dr Blondel Hurley (Team Doctor), Johann Lashley (Sports Therapist)