East Midlands qualifies the youngest umpire

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Cherese Naylor from Ripley in Derbyshire has become the youngest girl in the country to qualify as a netball umpire at the tender age of just 12.

The Mill Hill School pupil attended a Young Umpire Award scheme in the summer of 2009 and has since been practising at training and league matches. She has also umpired in the Amber Valley Schools high five netball tournament and was even selected to umpire the Derbyshire high five finals in Chapel-en-le-frith. She was then assessed in a league game to see if she was ready to be put in for her test which she passed with flying colours.

On the day of an umpiring C award test, the criteria is to umpire a full match and Cherese took charge of an under 16's game. A theory test followed in which she correctly answered 18 out of 20 questions with a minimum requirement being 17. Cherese (pictured) plays netball herself, not only for Ripley Netball Club, but she is also the youngest member of the Derbyshire County Netball Academy. 

Cherese has been playing for Ripley Netball Club since she was eight years old but has been involved almost from birth as she has always gone to training with her mum Cheryl who is Head Coach with the club. 

The other girls that passed their C award through the YUA were Katie Sheldon, Emily Beckett, and Shannon Pont. 

Well done to you all!