Double joy as twins secure university sport scolarships

The sisters, from Tipton, who both play at regional level for West Midlands Warriors, as well as for Dudley Leisure Netball Club, have joined a group of elite athletes at the University of Worcester.

The students receive additional support to nurture their sporting talent and combine it with their academic studies.

The pair, who are 18, joined the university last month after completing their A-levels. Laura studied at Ace Academy in Tipton while Rebecca attended Birmingham Metropolitan College in Stourbridge.

Laura is now studying for a degree in sports studies, while Rebecca is studying sports therapy.

Laura said: ""We have been involved in netball since we were really young as our mom plays," said 18-year-old Laura. "We wanted to go to a university where we could continue with our netball and get our degree and Worcester was the best option for us."

The University of Worcester has a top-flight netball programme and for the past two years has hosted the national Netball Superleague finals at the University of Worcester Arena.

Last year the University women's first and second netball teams were undefeated, with the first team securing promotion to division 1A and the second team promoted to division 4A.

Rebecca said: "We are really happy to be studying at Worcester and are looking forward to all the extra support we will get as part of the scholarship. It's an exciting time for us."

University of Worcester Director of Netball, Sheli Morgan, said: "I am really delighted to welcome Laura and Becky to our squad. We have some really excellent players joining us this year.

"I am certain that some have come to study here largely because of the quality of our netball. The calibre of player being attracted to the University of Worcester is growing year on year and it is exciting to think where we can go on such strong foundations."