Ballymena’s Eva-Lilly Beckett selected for Ireland U17 Squad at 2026 Europe Netball Championships

Ballymena teen Eva-Lilly Beckett selected to represent Ireland at the 2026 Europe Netball Under 17 Championships

A Ballymena Academy pupil has been selected to represent Ireland at the 2026 Europe Netball Under 17 Championships, with Eva-Lilly Beckett earning a place in the Ireland U17 squad following a competitive international trial process.

Eva-Lilly, who is from Ballymena and plays her club netball with Antrim Ladies Netball Club, will compete at the prestigious tournament taking place from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 March 2026 at Aberdeen Sports Village in Aberdeen, Scotland.

From Ballymena Academy to International selection

Eva-Lilly has played netball at club level with Antrim Ladies Netball Club since she was in Year 9 (Second Year).

Alongside her club commitments, she represents Ballymena Academy at both inters and senior level, balancing school sport with elite development pathways.

Eva-Lilly with her coach at Antrim Ladies Amy Stewart who has coached the team since 2021

Her progression through the representative ranks has included selection for the Northern Ireland U15 squad, where she played for a year, gaining valuable experience at a high standard of competition.

The Netball Ireland selection process began in September, with training trips to Wesley College in Dublin. Trials were held at Blenheim College in England in December, where Eva-Lilly secured her place in the Ireland U17 squad.

Since 4 January, training sessions have been taking place in England as preparations intensify ahead of the European Championships in March.

2026 Europe Netball Under 17 Championships

The 2026 Europe Netball Under 17 Championships, hosted by Europe Netball, will run from 6 to 8 March at Aberdeen Sports Village.

Eva-Lilly’s Journey

Eva Lilly in 2022 progressing with Antrim Ladies

Playing for Netball Northern Ireland’s U15

On the court

Foundations… Ballymena Academy Netball

Antrim Ladies Seniors… part of a winning team!

The three-day tournament will feature five competing nations — England, Scotland, United Arab Emirates, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland — in a round-robin competition format.

The event provides a significant platform for emerging athletes to gain experience in high-level international competition, showcasing the next generation of netball talent across Europe and beyond.

A Proud Moment for Ballymena

Eva-Lilly’s selection marks a significant achievement for both her school and club, reflecting years of development within local netball structures in Ballymena and Antrim.

Her journey from school and club netball to international representation highlights the opportunities available to young athletes through structured pathways and sustained commitment to training and competition.

Eva-Lilly and her family have expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support shown throughout her journey so far. They have paid particular tribute to the generous sponsorship from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Galgorm Dental, whose backing has helped make this opportunity possible and eased the financial pressures involved.

As the countdown to the European Championships continues, Eva-Lilly will join teammates from across Ireland in representing the Republic of Ireland on the international stage in Aberdeen this March.