Coach Daley praises players’ growth post-World Netball Youth Cup

The Young Sunshine Girls, Jamaica’s national youth netball team, are returning home after a commendable performance at the World Netball Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar. Despite falling short of their goal to secure a top-four finish, the team’s resilience and growth throughout the tournament have earned them widespread praise. Head Coach Annett Daley expressed immense pride in her squad, highlighting their potential and the valuable experience gained from competing against more seasoned teams. The tournament, held from September 23 to 28, saw the Young Sunshine Girls finish in fifth place after a series of spirited matches. Their journey began with a dominant 66-43 victory over Tonga, followed by a default win against Sri Lanka, who withdrew from the competition. They continued their strong form with a 61-43 triumph over Wales. However, their momentum was halted by a tough 33-64 loss to England in the group stage. Despite the setback, the team regrouped but faced another challenge in the quarter-finals, losing 33-85 to eventual champions Australia. The Young Sunshine Girls bounced back in the consolation rounds, defeating Cook Islands 57-47 and Scotland 53-44 to secure fifth place. Australia claimed the title with a 63-48 victory over New Zealand, while England took third place. Reflecting on the tournament, Daley emphasized the need for strategic changes before future competitions to enhance the team’s performance. She also praised Gibraltar’s welcoming atmosphere and weather, drawing parallels to Jamaica’s midland regions. The Young Sunshine Girls’ journey, marked by determination and improvement, has laid a strong foundation for their future in international netball.