Tauntons netball academy are preparing to represent the south in the British Colleges finals at Loughborough in April.

The academy was launched two years ago in a bid to improve the standard of netball being coached and played.

The Tauntons team, sponsored by Shorelands in Botley, qualified for the regional rounds of the national championships but missed out on a place at the finals due to injuries.

The academy girls have two hours of fitness and skills training a week followed by an extra hour working on game play and combinations.

LET'S MEET THE GIRLS:

Carly Halford: Is in her last year at the college and is studying BTEC sports studies. She plays for Swaythling Netball Club in the Southampton League. In her spare time she likes to hang out with friends.

Carly Parrick: Another second year student studying BTEC sports. She likes to go shopping in her spare time.

Denise Chandler: A first year student, Denise also plays for Swaythling in the Southampton League.

Becci Haywood: Likes gymnastics and is training to be a coach. Also plays for Home James in the Southampton Netball League. At the college Becci is studying A's sport studies, GCSE Maths and English.

Nadine Smith: This is her third year at the college, as she loves the academy so much. She has been injured for most of this season. Is currently studying A level accounts and word processing.

Natasha Seymour: Another third year student, she plays for Fleming Park Netball Club. She is currently recovering from injury but is confident of playing in the finals at Loughborough. In her spare time she works at Jumping Jakks nightclub in Southampton.

Stephanie Cockcroft: The first year student is currently studying A's French, A's Spanish, A's English, A's R.E. She also plays in the Southampton League for Home James.

Katie O'Dell: Another first year student and another Homes James player.

Lucy Warren: A second year member of the college and a founder member of the academy, Lucy is also a member of the college volleyball, trampoling and basketball teams. Lucy is going on to Manchester University after college. In her spare time she is a big party animal.