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A trip to Disney was not all about Mickey and Minnie for young sporting stars.

Students from Epping St John’s School took a trip to Paris to take part in an international netball tournament.

The 28 students from Year 7 to 11 spent months fundraising to kit themselves out in new netball dresses ahead of the two-day event.

The experience saw them undergo training with England netball coaches and games supervised by England umpires using full rules and regulations.

PE teacher Sarah Montgomery said: “Our under-16 A team were unbeaten on day one, winning all of their group matches which put them into the cup competition. The under-16 B team got into the shield competition, while the under-14 team made it through to the plate competition.

“The under-16 A team were only beaten in the semi-final by a netball club – rather than a school team - who went on to win the whole tournament. They finished as the first place school and fourth overall.

“It was a really good opportunity for them to experience international competition as they are only used to playing local netball against teams they know of. They were nervous for their first games, but their confidence grew and their teamwork got them through playing some really big netball clubs used to taking part in those competitions.”

Students, who stayed in apartments to give them independence and responsibility, were rewarded with time in Disneyland.

Miss Montgomery said: “Year 11 have not missed a training session in five years. Their dedication to the netball squad has been amazing. All of the girls were invited on the trip because of their attendance and participation with the squad.”