eastmidlandsnetball

East Midlands Regional Schools Netball: Three Days of Exceptional Competition and Celebration

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:50:13 GMT

East Midlands Regional Schools Netball Round-Up

The East Midlands Regional Schools Netball competition returned in style this year, delivering three fantastic days of high‑quality netball , incredible teamwork, and memorable sporting moments. With 30 teams competing across the U14, U16, and U19 age groups, the event once again highlighted the strength and spirit of school netball in our region.

The top two teams from each age group have now qualified for the National Schools Finals , which will take place at the EIS in Sheffield on 14th, 21st, and 22nd March - a huge achievement for those progressing!

Day 1 – U14s Kick Off in Style (Saturday 24th January, Oundle School)

The weekend began with the U14 competition at Oundle School, superbly organised by the Northamptonshire County Netball Association .
Despite the chilly conditions, teams showed exceptional resilience and produced exciting, high‑tempo netball throughout the day.

�� U14 Winners: Saint Martin’s
�� Runners‑Up: Prince William School - a special mention as this is the first time Prince William has ever reached this stage !
�� Third Place: Stamford High School - finishing just one point behind Prince William in a thrilling final standings table.

Day 2 – U19s Take the Court (Sunday 25th January, Oundle School)

The action continued the next day, again at Oundle School, this time hosted by the excellent team at the Lincolnshire County Netball Association .
The U19s displayed brilliant athleticism, composure, and teamwork, making Sunday another standout day of regional competition.

�� U19 Winners: Trent College
�� Runners‑Up: Uppingham School

A huge well done to both teams as they secure their places at the National Finals in Sheffield.

Day 3 – U16 Competition Closes an Outstanding Week (Saturday 31st January, Soar Valley)

The final leg of the Regional Schools event took place at Soar Valley , with fantastic organisation from Leicestershire County Netball Association. This day provided yet more inspiring performances, with tight matches and impressive skill across the courts.

�� U16 Winners: Branston Academy
�� Runners‑Up: Oundle School

Huge Thanks to Our Event Organisers and Volunteers!

These three days of competition simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of so many people.
A heartfelt thank you to:

Donna Fensom
Yvonne Blunt
Kathy Stripp
Bev Burnham
Leo Fensom
Lizzie Saunby
Val Kindred
Kathy Doran
Lynn Moore
Debra Mayes
Danni Donovan
Debbie Edwards
Julie Inniss

Alongside all volunteers , County Netball Associations , the Competition TSG , teachers, coaches, umpires, and parents - thank you for helping to deliver a wonderfully organised and memorable tournament for all involved.

A huge well done to every school that competed in this year’s Regional rounds. The standard was exceptional across all age groups, and every team should be proud of their performances.

And of course - good luck to all our East Midlands teams heading to the National Finals in Sheffield!
We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

Representing England Abroad: East Midlands Talent on the International Netball Stage

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:48:06 GMT

England Men’s and Mixed Netball Squad Tours Singapore for Unforgettable January Series

We’re excited to celebrate an amazing achievement from two of the East Midlands’ Men’s and Mixed netball stars! Tom Halfhide of Stunts Netball and Jonno Jessup of Northants Storm were recently selected to represent England A Men’s Netball in the prestigious Nations Series in Singapore.

After returning from Singapore, Tom shared his experiences of competing internationally for the first time, the thrill of facing some of the world’s top teams, and the unforgettable memories he made both on and off the court.

'In January 2026, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Singapore as part of the England A Men’s Netball team to compete in the Nations Series , alongside New Zealand U20, Australia U20, UAE, and the host nation, Singapore. It was a truly special experience, not only because of the high level of competition, but because it marked my first time representing my country which is something I will always be extremely proud of and will never forget.

We had a strong tournament, finishing the group stage with three wins from four games , which set us up well for the knockout rounds. The highlight of the competition came in the semi-final , where we secured a hard-fought victory against New Zealand to earn our place in the final. Unfortunately, we fell just short in the final against a very strong Australian side , who went on to be crowned champions. While the loss was disappointing, the experience of competing at such a high level was invaluable and will stay with me moving forward.

Beyond the court, the tour was unforgettable . Experiencing Singapore its culture, people, and incredible sights made the trip even more special and added to what was already an amazing opportunity. Overall, the tour was a huge learning experience and a memorable milestone in my career, both professionally and personally.'

A special congratulations also goes to Jonno , who led the squad throughout the series after being named captain - an incredible achievement and an amazing opportunity to lead his country on the international stage !

Cold Weather Guidance

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:32:49 GMT

Playing Netball in the Cold: A Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Netball

The health and safety of all participants should be the primary concern during periods of extreme cold. By taking appropriate measures, providing warmth and shelter, and promoting proper attire, you can help ensure a safer outdoor netball event during extreme cold weather conditions.

Organisers Top Tips

1. Monitor weather conditions : Stay updated with weather forecasts and cold weather advisories issued by local authorities. Keep an eye on temperature levels and any warnings or recommendations related to extreme cold. Check your venue’s policy on gritting and seek advice in relation to when this is done.

2. Provide warm-up areas : Set up designated warm-up areas where players can prepare before the game. These areas should be sheltered from wind and equipped with heating devices if possible. Encourage individuals to engage in light physical activity or stretching to warm up their bodies.

3. Inspect the playing area : Before the event, assess the playing area ( including all access pathways/car park) used by participants for potential hazards caused by cold weather, such as icy patches or slippery surfaces. If it isn’t possible to remove snow, ice, or debris to ensure a safe playing environment, it is important for play to be postponed.

4. Stay hydrated : While it may not be as obvious as in hot weather, staying hydrated is still important during cold weather. Encourage participants to drink water or warm beverages before, during, and after the game to maintain hydration.

5. Take breaks and warm-up intervals : Allow for regular breaks during the game to give players a chance to warm up and rest. These breaks can help prevent overexposure to cold temperatures and reduce the risk of cold-related injuries. Consider increasing the duration of breaks in extreme cold conditions.

6. Provide shelter and warmth: Set up heated shelters or designated warm areas where players and spectators can seek refuge during breaks or when not actively participating. Provide access to hot beverages, blankets, or hand warmers to help individuals stay warm.

7. Monitor for signs of cold-related injuries : Educate participants about the signs and symptoms of cold-related injuries, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Encourage individuals to notify officials if they experience any concerning symptoms or discomfort. Have a plan in place to address any cold-related emergencies.

8. Be prepared to reschedule or modify : In cases of severe cold or extreme weather conditions, be prepared to reschedule or adjust the event as necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants. Consideration for cancelling events should be given when Wind-Chill Temperatures are severely cold. Based on the Wind-Chill Temperature Index, it is recommended that events be postponed, or suspended if ongoing, when air temperature falls below -15°C (5°F), regardless of wind speed or rain.

Equipment Considerations

Participants should be reminded and prepared to bring/wear:

· Dress appropriately: Ensure that all participants, including players, officials, and spectators, are dressed warmly for the conditions. Layer clothing to provide insulation and trap heat and use moisture-wicking materials to keep dry.

· Gloves: During periods of extreme cold, gloves may be worn. Gloves should be plain, soft leather or micro fibre (e.g. Neoprene) which are manufactured without seams (or with internally sewn seams) and have no abrasive materials including but not limited to zippers, Velcro, metallic or plastic fasteners or rubberized embellishments used to improve grip. Umpires are reminded that they still need to be satisfied that any gloves worn do not present an obvious hazard to other players. (See domestic rules below).

· Appropriate footwear: Recommend participants wear appropriate footwear for cold weather conditions. Insulated or waterproof shoes with good traction can help prevent slips and falls on outdoor surfaces.

· Water bottles : participants should be encouraged in the pre-event information to bring their own. **drinking water should be available throughout the event or activity.

· Hot drinks: participants can be encouraged to bring their own hot drink in the pre-event information to help with remaining hydrated and warm.

Read more on England Netball Extreme Weather Guidance here .

Domestic Rules information

To read more on the domestic rules, see full document here .

Ashby Netball Club breaking records for charity!

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:01:14 GMT

The Ashby Netball Club has pulled off a truly spectacular feat, combining record-breaking achievements with an awe-inspiring act of charity that has captured hearts far and wide. Their recent Ashby Netball Marathon not only saw players endure a jaw-dropping 75 hours of continuous play, but it also led to the smashing of three Guinness World Records and raising over £57,000 for charity!

Determined to leave a lasting impact, multiple teams took on the challenge of breaking the World Record for the most goals scored in 60 minutes and the most goals scored in 3 minutes. The previous record of 1105 goals in an hour, set by Trinity Netball Club in 2021, was absolutely shattered when one of Ashby’s teams netted an incredible 1564 goals in just 60 minutes! If that wasn’t enough, the club also set a brand-new record for the most goals scored in 3 minutes, hitting an impressive 97 goals.

But the excitement didn’t stop there!...

A standout moment of the marathon came when Imogen Talbot took to the court with a singular mission – to beat the individual record for most goals scored in one minute. The record of 40 goals was held by Suzanne Hobson in North Yorkshire, but Imogen’s lightning-fast shooting saw her land a whopping 49 goals in just 60 seconds! That’s a goal every 1.25 seconds, an astonishing feat of skill and endurance.

This incredible effort was more than just a show of athletic excellence. The 75-hour netball marathon was all in the name of charity, with funds raised set to make a real difference in the community. Over an astounding £57,000 was raised for Kids Village, a charity dedicated to providing free, life-enhancing respite holidays for critically ill children and their families.

Kids Village is on a mission to build a unique holiday village in the heart of the UK, near Lichfield, Staffordshire. Their goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where families can escape the pressures of daily life, find joy in magical moments, and make lasting memories together. With no cost to the families, this initiative offers a much-needed break from the stress and challenges of ongoing treatments and hospital visits, providing a space of relaxation and happiness. This charity is close to the hearts of the club as Carla Garey (their club development lead) made a pledge to fundraise after seeing her inspirational little girl Evelyn, fight for her life after being born with a rare congenital condition causing a defect of her RET gene and one of the resulting factors was a condition called Hirschsprung's disease, and the amazing players at Ashby Netball stood up and wanted to help. You may remember their 24 hour netball event that raised over £20,400 back in 2023 for the same charity. Even Parliament took notice! The club’s local MP acknowledged their achievements in a House of Commons session, calling it an incredible act of charity and congratulating the players for their relentless dedication.

From all of us, congratulations, Ashby Netball Club! You’ve shot your way into the record books and our hearts

Spring Junior Tournament

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:29:21 GMT

March 9th- Stamford Junior School

A beautiful spring day with clear skies and a light breeze was perfect for our inaugural Spring Junior Netball Tournament completing a busy netball weekend following the Super Cup the day before. Throughout the day there was a fantastic display of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. With 25 junior teams competing, the courts were alive with energy from the very first whistle to the final goal.

The teams were divided into three age groups u11s playing BEE Netball and u12 and u14 teams. Different formats were played in the age groups ensuring fair and exciting matchups, with the top teams progressing to the seeded finals. Spectators, including proud parents and enthusiastic friends, cheered on from the sidelines, creating an electric atmosphere.

The day concluded with a heartfelt awards ceremony, where players received medals for the winning and runner up teams. Special thanks to coaches, referees, volunteers, and families for making the event a resounding success.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another fantastic tournament in the summer!

Under 11s

1st Kings cliffe

2nd MK Netters

3rd SR Finches

4th SR Swifts

5th Shooting Stas /NNC Black

7th Fenland

8th MK Opal

9th NNC Red

10th Bingham

Under 12s

1st Lincoln City

2nd ST Titans

3rd SR Vipers

4th Fenland

5th Kings Cliffe

6th SR Hawks

7th NNC Red

U14s

1st Bramcote Poppies

2nd Kings Cliffe

3rd Hampton Leopards

4th Fenland

5th Oundle

6th Hampton Tigers

7th SR Kites

8th NNC Black

Shout out to our Lincolnshire NDO (Louise), Leicestershire NDO (Megan) and Northants NDO (Kelly) for running such a fab day with some lovely sunshine! Keep watching our social media for more summer fun...

Netball Youth Camp Brings Skills, and Friendship to Leicester!

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:51:38 GMT

The Netball Youth Camp at The Highfields Centre in Leicester was a huge success, offering local children a fun and engaging day to develop their skills, make new friends, and enjoy the game of netball!

Over half term, we hosted a fantastic Netball Youth Camp at The Highfields Centre, Leicester, and we’re thrilled to say it was a huge success! With all places fully booked, young players had a brilliant day developing their skills, learning the rules, and working together as teams.

Thanks to funding from Sport England, we were able to provide a fun and engaging experience for local children to get active, meet new friends, and enjoy learning the game of netball. The morning focused on learning and practicing key skills, from passing and shooting to footwork and defending. It was great to see everyone making fantastic progress throughout the day, improving their understanding of the game and supporting their teammates.

The afternoon saw the players put their new skills into action with mini, small-sided matches, where teamwork shone through. We finished the session by reflecting on what we had learned, discussing our favourite activities, and thinking about why we enjoyed them. The children filled in speech bubble hearts to share their thoughts, highlighting their achievements and favourite moments.

It seemed what everyone enjoyed the most were the fun warm-ups, which got everyone moving, laughing, and ready to take on the day, closely followed by the small sided games. The energy and enthusiasm on court were amazing to see!

The day was focused around having fun, meeting new friends, and enjoying netball, and it was wonderful to see so many happy faces leaving the court!

We’re hoping to run more sessions over Easter... so keep an eye out on our social media for updates!

Regional Schools 2025

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 14:46:54 GMT

What a day of netball! Despite the chilly weather, the courts at Repton School were buzzing with energy on 1st February as 30 school teams battled it out in the fiercely contested Regional Schools Netball Tournament. With skill, determination, and teamwork on full display, the event was a true celebration of school netball at its finest!

The competition was fierce, but in the end, the top teams emerged victorious, securing their place in the upcoming National Schools Competition. Special congratulations to the cup winners and runners-up, who now have the exciting opportunity to compete for the national title! Under 14 cup winners were Branston Community Academy with Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School the runners up. Under 16 winners were Stamford School with Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School also being the run ners up. Under 19 winners were Oakham School with Repton School the runners up! More information on the National Schools can be found here .

A huge shoutout to the Derbyshire Netball Association for their incredible efforts in organizing such a fantastic event. From the first whistle to the final goal, the standard of play was outstanding, with every team giving their all. A special thanks to:

Sara Bostock - Results

Pauline Brasher - Court Manager

Sue Connor - Tournament Referee

Paul Hardy - Court Manager

Sarah Hollidge - Registration and Photos

Denise Howard - Results

Caroline Richards - Organiser and Derbyshire Competition TSG Lead

Liz Richards - Court Manager

Jo Sharrock - Umpire Coordinator and Regional Officiating TSG Lead

Carol Spencer - Tournament Referee, Registration and Regional Competition TSG Lead

Janie Wheatley - Timer

Jan Woolley - Results

Mary Yardley - Tournament Referee, Registration and Awards Presentor

Notably, three of the teams earning a spot at Nationals came from Lincolnshire, a first for the county! Well done to all teams involved—it was a brilliant day of netball, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store at the national stage. Best of luck, and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. Special mention also goes to the teams who also took part in the Plate competition with St Martins winning the U14 Plate with Ecclesbourne as runners up, Nottingham Girls High School the U16 Plate with West Bridgford runners up and Priory LSST the U19 Plate with Sponne School as runners up.

Full standings:

Spotlight: Premier League!

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:00:35 GMT

Local Teams Shine in National Leagues!

The East Midlands region continues to be a strong force in national netball, with two of our local teams competing in the prestigious Premier League divisions. These are national league competitions with teams competing across the country. In East Midlands we have Charnwood Rutland competing in Premier League 1 and Northants Storm in Premier League 3. Here’s how they’re progressing this season...

Charnwood Rutland: Battling in Premier League 1

Charnwood Rutland is flying the flag for the region in Premier League 1, the top tier of national league netball. Currently sitting in 10th place, the team has faced a challenging season but continues to show remarkable resilience!

In a reflection on their campaign so far, the team shared:

As we reach the halfway point of the season in Premier League 1, Charnwood Rutland Netball Club has experienced a period of both challenge and growth. The squad has seen a significant turnover of senior players, which has created a great opportunity for younger, emerging talent to step up and gain valuable experience. While the transition has been demanding, it has been equally rewarding for the team’s development.

Despite facing some difficult circumstances, the team has shown resilience, competing strongly in every match. The squad has faced challenges in closing out results, with several games slipping away in the final moments. The learning curve has been steep, but the lessons learned have been invaluable, especially in the recent hard-fought victory over Bury (57-49). This win was a testament to the team’s determination and their ability to grind out results, something that will prove crucial as the season progresses.

Looking ahead to the second half of the season, the squad is eager to continue its development. There is a real sense of excitement about the potential growth of the team as young players gain confidence and experience, while the coaching staff focus on refining key areas and ensuring that the team can finish games strong.

The second part of the season presents an opportunity for Charnwood Rutland to build on the progress made so far and to continue developing into a formidable force in the league. The team is excited for what lies ahead and committed to improving and pushing for stronger performances as they move into the latter stages of the season.

Northants Storm: Dominating Premier League 3

Northants Storm is having an incredible season in Premier League 3. The team currently sits in an impressive 3rd place, with seven wins out of their eight games so far. Their dominant performances have showcased their skill, teamwork, and relentless drive to succeed. With their sights set on finishing at the tops of the table, Storm is undoubtedly one of the teams to watch in the division.

With 8 rounds to go, best of luck to both teams this weekend and their ongoing Prem campaigns! Read more about other clubs and their reflections on the season so far here .

Keep up to date with their fixtures on the England Netball website here or watch live fixtures here (all Prem league 1 and selected league 3 games).

Market Harborough Championing Sustainability!

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:13:53 GMT

Market Harborough take a pledge to be sustainable! Can any of their ideas help your club too...

At Market Harborough Netball League (MHNL) we are taking bold steps and making a conscious effort to become aware of our effects on the natural world. This journey of sustainability will not only reduce our negative impact but raise awareness and promote positive action from everyone participating in this league.

MHNL is trailblazing and leading the way by being the first netball league to team up with Pledgeball. We are proud to say that our trial is also supported by @Leicestershire Netball, again another first for our community.

Pledgeball is a platform to encourage sporty types to make positive pledges to help our planet.

Did you know? If every fan watching a single Loughborough Lightning match at the David Wallace Arena stopped overfilling their kettle before boiling it, it could save a whopping combined figure of £15,000 a year on electricity bills, as well as a huge reduction in CO2e emissions!

See what simple changes you can make to your lifestyle that will have a positive impact on the environment and get your netball team to the top of the MHNL Pledgeball table.

You can find us and our teams on the Pledgeball @pled ge_ball event Events .

Watch our teams fight for the top spot, off the court!

Some of their pledges include:

Use a reusable bottle instead of buying bottled water
Buy big packs of snacks instead of multi-packs, and split them into reusable containers at home
Go vegetarian
Car share
Reusing and redistributing second hand kit
Gift green: buy only eco-friendly or second hand presents
Set a 4-minute timer for your showers

Watch this space for more things sustainability!

National One Awards 2024

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 16:24:01 GMT

This sparkling evening recognised outstanding contributions to netball and those who have all dedicated countless hours to enriching the sport and empowering the netball community!

The 2024 ONE Awards, held on October 19th at the National Motorcycle Museum & National Conference Centre in Solihull, were a glittering celebration of dedication, passion, and commitment to netball. Hosted by Katharine Merry, the night saw over 250 guests, including notable figures Jas Brown and Jo Trip, gathered to honour the exceptional contributions of volunteers from across the country. Jean Robinson, who played for England in the 1950s and 60s also proved to be a smash hit with the crowd as she retold many of her favourite netball memories and her joy at being part of the netball family. In total, 12 prestigious awards were presented, recognizing the regional individuals and organisations who pour their time, energy, and expertise into making netball happen.

Recognizing Sara’s Impact on Officiating

Among the remarkable national winners was our very own Sara Bostock, a powerhouse in promoting, developing, and supporting netball officiating. Sara won National Community Official of the Year and her award was presented by Sheelagh Redpath. Sara’s work as the Technical Official Lead Coordinator for Loughborough Lightning has not only ensured top-notch officiating standards in the region, but has also positively impacted the Netball Super League and international competitions alike. Her passion for training and mentoring officials has significantly elevated the officiating quality and enriched the netball experience for players and spectators. True to her generous spirit, Sara extended her thanks beyond herself, giving a heartfelt shoutout to her team of East Midlands netball officials. From Technical Officials to Umpires and Mentors, Sara acknowledged the crucial roles her colleagues play in advancing officiating standards. Her closing message was both uplifting and inspiring: “I love a challenge! Let’s keep Technical Officiating progressing as the game develops.”

Honouring 31 Years of Dedication: Jackie Milsom’s Long Service Award

Another highlight of the evening was the England Netball Long Service Award presented to Jackie Milsom, whose 31 years of dedication to netball have left an indelible mark. Jackie’s journey in netball began in 1993 as Derbyshire’s Fixtures Secretary and Team Manager, roles she held until 2005. Her commitment and work in the East Midlands saw her being awarded her regional Long Service in 2015. More recently, she has brought her expertise and unwavering commitment to Loughborough Lightning as Team Manager in the Netball Super League, where she has been instrumental in coordinating logistics, supporting players, and contributing to the team’s success behind the scenes. Reflecting on Jackie’s accomplishments, a fellow volunteer shared, “As a former Team Manager myself, I know both roles require countless hours of behind-the-scenes work, from scheduling and admin to offering player support—all of which Jackie takes on with dedication and heart. Her contribution is vital to the smooth running of training and matches, which she attends, in addition to the countless hours of admin required.” Congratulations to Jackie for her much-deserved Long Service Award! Her decades of dedication and service have set a high standard in the East Midlands and beyond, inspiring others to follow her lead in making a difference in netball. We also look forward to Jackie celebrating her 300th NSL game at the next Lightning game!

Young Volunteer, Rebecca presented with Pass On Your Passion Award

The 2024 National ONE Awards in Solihull highlighted the incredible dedication of young leaders in netball, and among them was Bingham’s own Rebecca Bowen, who received the prestigious Pass On Your Passion Award. This award, England Netball’s recognition for young volunteers aged 12-25, celebrates those who’ve dedicated over 400 hours to enriching the sport in their communities over the past two years. Rebecca, already honoured as the East Midlands Young Volunteer of the Year in 2023, has dedicated countless hours to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring younger players at her club. A skilled player herself, she completed a Bee Netball workshop and earned her Level 1 coaching certification, making her a role model for her peers. Rebecca supports her club’s junior section by attending matches weekly, offering on-the-spot coaching, and pro viding individual guidance to players. Congratulations Rebecca! Read more about her Pass on Your Passion journey in our recent newsletter !

The ONE Awards captured the spirit of netball by celebrating individuals whose hard work, passion, and vision have created a welcoming and empowering community. It was a fantastic evening with the East Midlands well represented. Sara, Jackie and Rebecca, along with all our regional winners and nominees, embody the values of dedication and excellence, demonstrating how one person’s efforts can have a lasting impact. Here’s to these local legends and to all the volunteers who make netball thrive in our communities!

Oundle Walking Netball Tournament

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 11:11:45 GMT

These gatherings of netballers just absolutely lift your spirit!

Saturday 21 ^st September 2024 saw teams from across the East Midlands take part in a Walking Netball Festival at Oundle School Sports Centre in Northamptonshire. 8 teams competed in a round robin format of which, then seeded the teams into the afternoon of ‘In it” to Win it’ and ‘Wiggles & Giggles’ groupings.

Over 80 players, volunteers and staff attended and delivered the event with the youngest volunteers being 9 &13 years of age. The young volunteers were granddaughters of one of our volunteer umpires Debbie Edwards, Isla Niamh and Sophia who kindly took the role of scorers for both courts throughout the day. The teams were impressed with their skills and said they are our future technical officials of netball.

Three of the teams competed in their very first Walking Netball Festival and thoroughly enjoyed the wiggles, giggles and meeting new like-minded ladies! The Winners from each group were presented with a winning England Netball Seed Medal, which can be planted to grow wildflowers. For each purchased medal a tree is planted, to which the ladies gave a big heart felt ‘awwww ’ approval during the medal presentation, they thought it was a great idea to continue in supporting our environment and a great way to remember their day.

Some ladies shared their thoughts:

It was a great festival, thanks to all who organised and helped make it such a great day (Hazel Mc)

The tournament at Oundle was fabulous just what we needed; I think. These gatherings of netballers just absolutely lift your spirit! Long may we continue to meet and play at such wonderful facilities like Oundle (Joy W)

A huge thank you goes to our volunteers, hosts / team managers and captains for rallying their players together and to the players who helped out teams if they were short of players, they day was filled with lots of fun and team spirit. A special thank you goes to ‘Oundle Sports School Centre’ for their continued partnership and in-kind contribution to the event and so the staff who supported throughout the day. Finally a heartfelt thank you to Louise, Megan and Claire from the East Midlands team for their support and hard work.

Kelly Thomson

England Netball Development Officer - Northamptonshire

Results:

‘In it to win it.’

1. Barton Bees - Blue (Northamptonshire)

2. Towcester Toasters (Northamptonshire)

3. Loughborough Ladybirds (Leicestershire)

4. MellPort Ladies (Nottinghamshire)

‘Wiggles & Giggles’

1. Straycats (Lincolnshire)

2. Oundle Chucklers (Northamptonshire)

3. Freedom Flyers (Northamptonshire)

4. Barton Bees – Yellows (Northamptonshire)

Best of luck to the ladies taking part in our next Walking Netball Festival on Monday 28th October! Keep an eye on our social media for our December festival sign up...

Grant Funding for Clubs

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:04:06 GMT

Grants for Netball Clubs in the East Midlands....where to start?

Running a local netball club is about more than just getting on the court—it involves community engagement, facility upkeep, coaching, and providing opportunities for people of all ages to participate in sport. Thankfully, there are several grants available to help with these costs, from sports-specific funding to more general community development grants. If you run a netball club in the East Midlands, here are some key funding opportunities and organisations to explore:

1. Sport England Movement Fund

Sport England’s New Movement Fund is designed to support grassroots clubs and community groups that aim to create opportunities for people to be active. This fund replaces the Small Grants Programme and offers financial support of up to £15,000 to help netball clubs grow and develop. It can be used to cover costs such as equipment, facility hire, coaching, and even and other delivery costs. The fund particularly focuses on promoting inclusion and encouraging underrepresented groups to get involved in sport.

Who can apply?
Grassroots sports clubs, including netball clubs, that aim to increase participation in physical activity, especially among groups that may face barriers to getting active provided you also meet governance requirements.

How to apply:
Visit the Sport England website

sportengland.org/funding-and-campaigns/our-funding/apply-funding/suitability-checker

2. National Lottery Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund offers a fantastic opportunity for local netball clubs to secure financial support for projects that make a positive difference in their community. Grants range from £300 to over £10,000, and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as purchasing new equipment, training coaches, transport, volunteer expenses, running costs or refurbishment projects. This funding is particularly focused on projects that bring people together and strengthens the community too, also to support the challenges with cost-of-living.

Who can apply?
Voluntary and community groups, including grassroots netball clubs.

How to apply:
Applications can be made via the National Lottery Community Fund website.

tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/national-lottery-awards-for-all-england#section-3

3. Severn Trent Community Fund

The Severn Trent Community Fund is available to support projects that improve the community’s wellbeing. This includes initiatives promoting physical activity and bringing people together, which makes it an excellent fit for netball clubs. The fund focuses on environmental and social projects within Severn Trent’s service areas, including parts of the East Midlands. Things they will fund include running costs of the new project, skills training, facility improving and more.

Who can apply?
Community groups, including sports clubs, based in the Severn Trent area.

How to apply:
Clubs can apply through the Severn Trent Community Fund website. The next deadline is 13 ^th October.

stwater.co.uk/about-us/severn-trent-community-fund/available-funding/

4. East Midlands Airport Community Fund

The East Midlands Airport Community Fund provides grants to local community groups, including sports clubs, that lie within a set radius of the airport. The fund supports projects that bring the community closer together through facilities for sport, recreation, and other leisure time activities.

Who can apply?
Community and sports groups located near East Midlands Airport.

How to apply:
Applications are made through the East Midlands Airport website. The next deadline is 16 ^th October for the Community Grant up to £2000. For the smaller community sponsorship grant up to £200 the next deadline is 24 ^th December.

magcommunityfunds.smapply.org/

5. East Midlands Netball Regional Grants

We offer our own funding opportunities, specifically aimed at netball development in the region. Grants are available to assist with coaching, equipment, and initiatives that aim to grow the sport at all levels.

Who can apply?
Affiliated netball clubs, teams and members in the East Midlands region.

How t o apply:
Available grants can be found under the support sections of our website.

eastmidlandsnetball.co.uk/support#RegionalFunding

6. Local Community Grants

Make sure you are following your local active partnership and signed up to their newsletters as they often advise on local grants specific to your area. Grants can be found from various other organisations such as:

Young People Physical Activity and Sport Hardship (Active Partnership) Fund supporting young people under 21 years old in Leicestershire and Rutland to continue participating in sport- deadline 2nd March. Read more here .
Lutterworth Area Community Grant (Local Developer). An initiative to support community and voluntary organisations to deliver local projects within the geographical area surrounding the Magna Park development. Next deadline 31st December. Read more here .
East Midlands Railway (National Organisation). Criteria for 2025 TBC. Read more here .
Mansfield Building Society (Local Organisation). Promoting and supporting health and wellbeing in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Read more here .
West Northamptonshire Council (Council). Supporting sports and physical activity in the local area. Closing 3rd November. Read more here .

This list is not exhaustive but rather gives you an idea of the places to start your search and the type of organisations that offer community grants. Want to search for more funding opportunities? See a funding finder here . This is hosted by Active Together but does search for funds not specific to the area.

We're off! Regional League 24/25 begins..

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:20:10 GMT

On Sunday our regional league began the first matches of the season!

The wait is over – the Regional League has officially kicked off over the weekend, and what a start it has been! With 10 exciting games played across 3 senior divisions and 1 junior division, the action was intense, the energy was high, and the competition is fierce!

Stay tuned for more thrilling matches, and best of luck to all teams this season!

Results from 22 September:

Division 1

Bridgford Navy 49 - 51 Northants Storm 1

Hinckley Hurricanes 79 - 37 Nottinghamshire Sirens

Lincoln City 1 44 - 44 Cliftonettes Scarlet

TFC Leicester 1 46 - 42 Charnwood Rutland 1

Division 2

Falcons Yellow 36 - 66 Ashby Giants

Grasshopper 1 48 - 54 Grasshopper 2

Hucknall Town 62 - 27 Northants Storm 2

Nottingham City 48 - 33 TFC Leicester Too

Division 3

Charnwood Rutland 2 48 - 33 Sleaford Barge

Hawks 50 - 33 Moll Buzzers

U14 Division 1

Bingham 29-45 Allestree

Charnwood Rutland A 29-36 Nottingham City Sapphires

Lincoln City 39-34 Bramcote

Northants Storm Purple 25-31 Louth

Find more about competitions here . If you would like to see any stories and news pieces here about your club, please send them in!

Meet Our New Regional Chair: Rowena Hackwood!

sharon@kangaroouk.com (Sharon Keevins) — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:55:38 GMT

We’re thrilled to introduce the new Chair of our Regional Board—a true East Midlander with a lifelong passion for netball. With a career that spans various sectors and a deep commitment to the sport, she’s ready to take on this new role with enthusiasm and a vision for the future. Born in Nottingham and now living in Leicestershire, our new Chair is rooted in the East Midlands. Netball runs in her family—her sister was a junior international player, her niece is climbing the ranks in the junior pathway, and her nephew plays for the England Mens Trailblazers.

She’s got a diverse background, having worked in the private, not-for-profit, and public sectors. These days, she runs a large education Trust, but netball has always been her passion. She’s also been involved in a bunch of volunteer roles, from chairing the Moll Buzzers Netball Club to captaining TFC in the Regional league.

Why She Took On This Role

“I’m committed to developing the sport at all levels as we move into a professional era,” she says. For her, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing how sport can change lives, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships. She’s excited to create a club environment where players can thrive and bring their best selves to the court.

Her volunteer journey has been shaped by some amazing people, like Sue and David Jenkins, who coached her when she first started playing in the 1980s, and Mrs. Skinner, her school netball teacher, who went out of her way to support her training. And in a fun twist, she’s recently reconnected with Sue Connor, her first county coach, who is now the Regional Vice-Chair!

What She Hopes to Achieve

Looking ahead, she has big dreams for netball in the East Midlands. “Wouldn't it be brilliant for the East Midlands to lead the way in netball participation at all levels?” she asks. She’s aiming to create a smooth pathway from school to club to performance levels, so the region can compete—and win—on the national stage.

She’s also passionate about making netball more inclusive, with plans to highlight our talented male players in a mixed programme at the regional level. And personally, she’d love to see a ‘masters series’ for players over 50 who still want to compete at a high level—a nod to her belief that netball is a game for life.

A Message to Volunteers

To all our amazing volunteers, she has a heartfelt message: “Thank you. You make the game what it is, and we couldn’t do it without you.” As netball enters an exciting new chapter, she encourages anyone who’s interested to get involved, whether it’s at the County level or within our regional structures. If you think you’ve got something to offer, she’d love to hear from you!

With her passion and leadership, the future of netball in the East Midlands is looking bright. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have on our community.

Safeguarding and EDI Conference 2024

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:07:33 GMT

We are thrilled to announce the resounding success of the East Midlands "Uncovering Hidden Safeguards in Netball" Conference, held on Sunday, April 21st at Charnwood College. With over 40 passionate attendees, this event brought together netball enthusiasts and experts to explore crucial topics including Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Safeguarding, Neurodiversity, and more. The conference aimed to provide clubs and teams with a deeper understanding of often overlooked aspects of safeguarding, ensuring the well-being of all participants in and out of the sport. The conference featured three impactful sessions, each delivering invaluable insights and sparking meaningful conversations among attendees:

1. Hidden Disabilities – Neurodiversity by Beth Jackson

Beth Jackson's session on neurodiversity left a profound impact on the audience. Attendees engaged deeply with the material, gaining a new perspective on how the human brain functions and the importance of recognizing and supporting neurodiverse individuals within their clubs. The session encouraged participants to rethink their responses and delivery methods to better support and listen to members with neurodiverse conditions.

2. Intro to Mental Health and Safeguarding by Dannii Donavan and Dickon Turner

This informative session provided key insights into safeguarding members, emphasizing the responsibility of everyone to report concerns without making judgments. Dannii and Dickon highlighted the processes and procedures for supporting vulnerable individuals, stressing the importance of acting on concerns to protect young people and adults alike. They also reminded attendees of the valuable resources available on the EN safeguarding website, which supports not just the club’s safeguarding officer but all members.

3. LGBTQ+ Diversity by Ebony Harding

Ebony Harding's session on LGBTQ+ diversity offered a great insight into the use of pronouns and the importance of creating an inclusive environment. The discussion focused on understanding differences and ensuring that all members, regardless of their social, ethnic, or sexual orientation, feel welcome and valued in the netball community. Participants learned the significance of using correct pronouns and the impact of addressing others respectfully.

Attendees praised all the speakers for their real-life experiences and engaging delivery, expressing a newfound awareness and enthusiasm to implement and share the insights within their clubs and teams. Feedback highlighted a desire for future topics such as safeguarding, social media use, mental health support, and greater awareness of neurodiversity and EDI.

Moving Forward

The success of this conference has inspired the EDI group to plan future events and initiatives. Stay tuned for more updates and future events as we continue our mission to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in netball. Together, we can make a significant impact on the well-being of our community and ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued in the world of netball.