A PROMISING young netball star, Sophie Drakeford-Lewis made sure she seized her chance for the England Roses at the European finals – but she is not stopping there.

The Sonning teenager showed flashes of brilliance at her first senior championships which helped the national side retain their Netball Europe Open Championships crown in Cardiff.

Drakeford-Lewis was part of the Red Roses team which won four from four, with victories over Scotland, Northern Ireland, Fiji and Wales, while she also enjoyed a 100 per cent success rate at goal attack in the game against Fiji.

Indeed, England’s potent attack was the chief reason for this European success, something Drakeford-Lewis was glad she seized with both hands.

And the key to her good form in making the step from junior to senior level – keeping the fun factor in her performances.

“It was an amazing experience to be on tour with a senior England squad,” she said. “It was really nice, as we had quite a few English fans in the crowd.

“I just thought it was a great opportunity and experience and just really enjoyed it. I relaxed and wasn’t nervous and just went out and played my best netball.

“Enjoying it definitely brings out the best netball in me. I still have a lot to learn and I hope it’s just the start of my England career.”

Drakeford-Lewis, who benefits from being part of the SSE Next Generation programme, recently signed for Team Bath after moving to the city for her university studies.

As well as the obvious logistical benefits, the Berkshire starlet knows she is far from the finished article if she is to go even further on the club and international stage, and has identified Team Bath as the perfect place to help her develop.

“Obviously for me to move to Team Bath was a bit of a no-brainer for me logistically, but it’s also such a great squad and I’m going to learn so much from the more experienced players,” she added.

“I still need to gain more understanding and knowledge of not always going for the easiest option, being a bit more aware of where everyone else is on court, as well as being a bit savvier.

“During the next couple of months my goal is to get to peak fitness ahead of the new season.”

Since 2013, SSE is proud to make a difference to young people, their families and their communities, by investing in the future of sporting talent through the SSE Next Generation scheme.