A BASINGSTOKE school teacher has been selected to represent England in the first-ever mixed netball match.
Louise Grainger, a teacher at Old Basing Infant School is preparing to represent the country in England's first-ever team made up of both women and men.
The 35-year-old is "beyond proud" to be selected and the children she teaches are overjoyed their teacher has been chosen.
She is now preparing for intense months of non-stop training leading up to the match.
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Louise said: "It feels surreal to be a part of this, I got selected last year and it's been nice to show the children I teach that you can do anything you put your mind to.
"Mixed netball and men's netball is also an up-and-coming thing so it's great to be a part of that history.
"The aim is that netball will one day be a part of the Olympics, but for that to happen it needs to be played by both men and women, so this is a step towards that."
In 2016, Louise represented England in the indoor netball team at the World Championships in New Zealand, where her team made history, being the first England ladies' team to win gold in the 7's competition.
She then represented England again in 2019 in South Africa at the Indoor World Championships.
The date of the match, organised by the Men's and Mixed Netball Association (MMNA), is undecided but as the time comes closer, Louise and her team are now looking for sponsorship from a company.
Louise has been attempting to fund her extensive training schedule, trips around the country and training kit.
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She said: "As you can imagine this is no easy feat and to be able to continue and to give the programme my dedication and time it deserves, I am desperately seeking sponsorship towards, or for the whole costs involved in this elite programme.
"Any amount towards this would be more help than you could imagine, and really benefit me along my journey. Without sponsorship, it will be difficult to continue on this path."
If you're interested in sponsoring Louise or her team, email lgrainger1@googlemail.com.
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