Upper Sixth student Fechi Okafor, an aspiring England netballer, talks about her Millfield experience and playing first team netball.

How long have you been at Millfield?

I have been at Millfield for four years now, I joined in Year 9 and I am now in my final year. I chose to come to Millfield for the sporting opportunities, and the ability to balance my academics with my sports as well. I have only been playing netball at Millfield since Year 10.

What do you like most about the Millfield Netball programme?

One of the things I love most about the Millfield Netball programme is the opportunities you get to train and play every week. I enjoy the training sessions that we have as a squad as I feel that it helps with our bonding and connection as a team.

Every week at Millfield is different due to the fixtures we have, but on a normal week, we do at least three gym sessions which will either be conditioning or weightlifting. We will also do two squad training sessions a week and two core game sessions. We usually play two games a week, so we have many opportunities to play.

What are you currently studying?

I am taking A levels in Maths, Economics, and English.

What is your favourite personal sporting achievement in Netball?

My favourite sporting achievement would be playing for the U19 Team Bath NPL squad or being selected to be the Team Bath U17 captain of the NPL squad. Last year, we finished second in the NPL which was a massive achievement for the squad and something I loved doing as captain. 

What is the netballing highlight of your time at Millfield?

My favourite netballing moment at Millfield would be winning the Independent Schools League for a second year in a row with the Millfield first team. The feeling of carrying on the legacy was unbelievable.

What are your sporting hopes in the future?

I am looking to go to university at either Exeter, Nottingham or Manchester on a sport scholarship where I can continue to play netball alongside my studies. Hopefully, within two years, I want to be playing for the England Roses team.

Since the launch of Millfield's 'Girls in Sport' programme last September, have you noticed any changes in getting girls into sport?

Over the past year, Millfield has educated students and staff about how to support girls more which has encouraged more girls to participate in sports. For example, last year they changed the colour of many of the sports kits to be more appropriate for girls.

Although it is something that has already been spoken about and acted on this this year, I think, in the future, the school should be even more encouraging and aware of how the menstrual cycle affects girls in sport.