Seven North Midlands players have been included in the England Women Under 18 Talent Development Group for next season.
Brook Clarke, Cara Clarke, Sarah Kilminster, Sophie Richards, Laura Thomas, Meg Varley and Zoe Warrington, who all play for Worcester, are among 49 players who have been included in the TDG squad.
TDG Programme Lead Alex Austerberry said: “The TDG programme has a strong history of developing players. We aim to help them understand the demands of the game, developing all areas, on and off the field.
“We want to develop future senior players who are not only confident and competent, but have the skills required to flourish on the international stage.”
Of the 2015-16 National Talent Development Group, 12 players have been selected in to the England U20 squad for the forthcoming season. Among others, Poppy Leitch, Sydney Gregson and Lotte Clapp have recently moved from the TDG programme to gain international honours, while sevens player and Olympic hopeful Abbie Brown is another who has gone on to represent England in both the 15 and seven-a-side formats.