Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles.

When it comes to volunteering, two members of the Gloucestershire committee have gone over and above this year.

Nicola Parry from the Adult Working Group has been instrumental in getting Gloucestershire’s members back on court following lockdown 3.0. She has kept in frequent contact with the 26 clubs in the county, resulting in a tailored Return to Court programme. The programme sessions were coach lead and provided over 100 members safe, structured netball, with a specific focus on fitness and keeping injury free after the long, enforced break.

Another testament to the fabulous Return to Court programme Nic set up was the successful completion of a Sport England Small Grants bid. GCNA applied for the grant and were awarded the full amount they requested – well done to Les Thomas who took the initiative, and invested the time, to apply on behalf of the committee.

In addition, Nic has expertly organised summer league across two venues in the county, that will hopefully (rules permitting) lead us nicely into the Glos Winter League in September.  Thirdly, and on a personal front, Nic is booked onto her level two coaching course later this year and has proactively set up a Safeguarding course later this month in the county, as the next nearest course is more than 100 miles away. This will save fellow aspiring coaches, like Nic, many miles and minutes.

Behind the scenes, Emily Wilton – Head of the Media and Comms Working Group – has been working tirelessly to fully revamp the Glos website (https://glos-netball.org.uk/). With the help of Les and James Thomas, the new website is fresh, informative and a one stop shop for information regarding all thing’s netball in the county.

A huge thank you to both Nicola and Emily for their recent contributions.

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to Laura Woodruff (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk)

Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles.

This week we welcome two new members to the South West team. Anna Young has come aboard as our new Wiltshire Netball Development Officer (NDO) and Jo Templeman is our new NDO for Somerset.


“Hello!  My name is Anna and I am the new Wiltshire Netball Development Officer, working three days a week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays).  I am working closely with the Wiltshire County Netball Association to develop and grow netball opportunities in the county.   I grew up filling every possible evening and weekend with Netball but these days outside of work you can now find me juggling my daughter and son’s commitments to rugby and dance.”

If you want to get in touch with Anna then please use the contact details below.

Email: anna.young@englandnetball.co.uk

Mobile: 07733421472

“Hello, my name is Jo Templeman and I am the NDO for Somerset covering MAT leave.

I have been passionate about Netball for as long as I can recall and am still a dedicated player and coach across Devon and Somerset.

My background is aviation, however I have ditched the skies and am thrilled to be in a position to help develop new opportunities and grow the sport that I love across the county.”

If you would like to get in touch with Jo then please contact:

Email: Johanna.templeman@englandnetball.co.uk

Phone: 07917991974

We hope you enjoy getting to know your new Netball Development Officers as much as we will. With team South West now complete and the summer soon upon us we are looking forward to seeing our fantastic netball family soon at events across the region.

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to the South West Regional Coordinator (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk).

Last Sunday saw the first Tri-Counties Walking Netball Festival since the pandemic. All teams across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Avon were invited to attend the event held at Clifton College Sports Ground. We were also very fortunate to be joined by a team from Somerset too!

The Festival had a Jubilee theme which the 12 teams that entered certainly embraced! We had red, white and blue decorated picnics, a lot of bunting and flags flying, and even Royal visitors!

Gloucestershire Walking Netballers were crowned (literally!) champions of the Festival, with Summerhouse a close runner up.

Thank you to all the teams that entered, the umpires for giving up their Sunday to ensure the day happened and all your Jubilee efforts. Netball South West will continue to run these Festivals throughout the year so don’t hesitate to contact your local NDO should you wish to join in the fun.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY

Netball South West is looking for a new Volunteer Lead to become part of its board of trustees. If you are passionate about empowering volunteers and want to work with a team who are equally passionate about providing exceptional sporting experiences for all, then contact us today to find out more: southwest@englandnetball.co.uk

Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles.

Exeter Colleges’ Netball first team have had an exceptional season winning three major competitions. The playing squad consisted of Charlotte Steer (Vice Captain) GS, Ella Williams GA, Jemma Potter WA, Lily Tomlinson C, Caitlin Jeffery (Captain) WD, Iris Hindley GD, Abi Greenslade WD, Hannah Rae GK, Abi Down GS, Lottie Armstrong WD, Emily Churchill GD, Kitty Sampson C, Bronwin Stewart C, Annie Grief GD and Tilly Spong WD. The team have won over 40 games in one season to be crowned the champions three times over.

The three competitions won by the Exeter College Netball team are:

The treble success began where the team became National Premier League Champions. Exeter college joined Barking Abbey, Hartpury and Queen Ethelburga’s in Walsall at the finals, as the top four teams across the South, Midlands and North Premier Division leagues. Exeter were drawn against Barking Abbey and won convincingly, during a competitive and physical game 37-26. The team then met Hartpury in the final securing an impressive win of 34-30 to take the first of the three titles.

The team then fought hard and won the Gold medal at the AoC Sport National Championships in Nottingham. After an intense competition, the Southwest region were presented winners of the Wilkinson Sword, the first time the region has won the coveted title since 2016 – which the Netball team also contributed towards by winning Gold.

The final achievement came when the team came out on top in an amazing and tight fought match against Hartpury, winning 41-40 to win the AoC Sport National Netball Knockout Cup. The AoC cup sees teams drawn from all over the country and having to win each game to progress onto the next round.

A huge congratulations to the players and all those involved in this fantastic achievement.

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to the South West Regional Coordinator (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk).

Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles.

This week we celebrate the amazing netball season of 16 year old Ella Williams from Poole and find out a bit more about her netball journey. Ella joins the likes of other Dorset home grown talent such as Lily-May Catling, who made her debut with Team Bath VNSL this season, following a 2021 season with Wasps Lily-May Catling completes journey from Academy to Superleague via Australia as versatile defender joins Blue & Gold for 2022 – Team Bath Netball, and Geva Mentor who was named again in the England Netball Roses programme this week, having made her England debut in 2001! England Netball | Vitality Roses selected for 2022-23 Programme.

It is so important to recognise and shout about those that make female sport happen, be that as a participant, official or volunteer. It was great to see Lily-May engaging with junior members of Bournemouth Netball Club on a recent trip to watch Team Bath play in the VNSL at Bath University. The hugely successful This Girl Can campaign, demonstrated that having accessible female sporting role models is key to engaging and keeping females in sport This Girl Can | Sport England.

Ella was interviewed by Sarah Clark, Dorset Netball Development Officer:

What is your earliest memory of netball?

My earliest memory of netball was my first training session at Poole Netball Club. I joined with my friend. All I can remember is really enjoying it and wanting to go back.

What teams have you played for?

I’ve played for Poole Netball Club at junior and senior level, been a part of the Dorset satellite and county academy pathway and then the Team Bath pathway. I have played for Team Bath U15, U17 and U19 teams and this year I played for England Roses U17s.

What is your go-to netball snack?

My go-to netball snack would be a protein milkshake and a nut bar.

NB: I have it on good authority that Ella is unlikely to turn down a Haribo!

Who has had the most influence on your netball career?

Helen Housby as a player and Jenna Adamson (Team Bath Millfield ADC coach) and Hayley Peyman (Poole Head Coach)

If you could start again at age 8, what netball position would you want to play?

I would want to play centre as I would be able to run everywhere on court!

What was your hardest netball moment?

Playing against the other England team in the Europe Netball Competition.

How do you get over hard moments?

Staying calm, being patient and never giving up, no matter what.

What was your favourite netball moment?

Winning the Europe Netball Competition with England U17s and being undefeated.

How do you like to celebrate a win?

Being surrounded by my teammates and the atmosphere it creates.

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to the South West Regional Coordinator (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk).

Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles.

The South West County Academy Tournament took place on Sunday 24th April, at Exeter University. Showcasing talent players from across the region. Having not been able to run the event since the start of the COVID Pandemic, so it was great to see players from 8 County academies on court.

There were lots of closely contested matches with games being won by a single goal but the most exciting match was between East Devon and Jersey. Neither team had lost a game until they met on court, and it lived up to expectations with Jersey taking the win by a single goal. Both teams had one more match to play. Jersey secured their final win and consequently won the tournament East Devon were a close 2nd followed by Avon in 3rd place.

It was truly a brilliant day, fantastic to see so many players and spectators enjoying our wonderful game. A massive thank you to Team Bath for the organisation and to all our wonderful umpires and coaches who made the day possible.

Jersey CA

Winners – Jersey County Academy

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to the South West Regional Coordinator (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk)

Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles.

Netball Youth Camps in Bristol and Dursley proved very popular last week with both being sold out. The camps were attended by local girls aged 11-14 for a fun day of all things netball. The days included activities focusing on defence, attacking and shooting followed by a round robin tournament.

Bristol’s NYC at SBL Sports Centre on 11th April.

Congratulations to Team Pink for winning the round robin tournament and well done to the 3 players below for all their hard work.

Most Improved: Georgia

Coach’s Player: Mia

Player of the Day: Taika

Gloucestershire’s NYC at Rednock School on 13th April.

Congratulations to Team Yellow for winning the tournament and a special shot out to our 3 nominated players:

Most Improved: Esmee
Coach’s player: Mia
Player of the Day: Rosie

The girls in action during an invasion game challenge.

More camps in the South West will be running later in the year so keep an eye on the website for more information, or get your name on a distribution list with your local NDO. We hope to see you there!

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to the South West Regional Coordinator (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk).

Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles.

Your nomination counts!

As you may have already heard by now England Netballs annual member awards has had a refresh. Formally known as the Vitality Goalden Globe Awards the new and exciting ONE Awards has taken to the stage. Along with the refreshed name the categories have also been given a facelift, ensuring that all members have the opportunity to be nominated for the incredible work they put into making our sport happen.

Nominees will be invited to Netball South West’s prestigious regional celebration event in July and the winners from each category will go on to represent the South West in the National ONE Awards ceremony later in the year.

The ten nomination categories are as follows:

  1. Coach of the Year – Children & Young People
  2. Coach of the Year – Adults
  3. Sheelagh Redpath Community Official of the Year
  4. Mary Bulloch Community Volunteer of the Year (volunteer role outside coaching and officiating)
  5. Muriel McNally Community Volunteer of the Year (any volunteer role including coaching and officiating)
  6. Unsung Hero of the Year (in a Club or League)
  7. Club of the Year
  8. Young Volunteer of the Year
  9. Teacher of the Year
  10. Inclusion Award

Full details of the categories and criteria can be found on the England Netball website.

If you know someone who has gone above and beyond to help making netball happen through officiating, coaching, volunteering, delivering in schools, clubs and local leagues, as committee members and so much more then nominate them TODAY.

We want to celebrate the amazing people that enable our sport to thrive, flourish and soar because without each and every one of you, netball would not be the sport we know.

Thank you to those who have already nominate someone and we cannot wait to see you all in person at this years South West ONE Awards ceremony. More information to follow soon.

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to the South West Regional Coordinator (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk).

Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles.

Division 1 playoffs

The culmination of a very challenging season due to the impact of COVID-19 was the Division 1 play-off finals for both Under 14 and Under 16 age groups, held at Paignton Academy on Sunday 20th March. At stake was qualification for the National Club finals for the winner and runner-up in both age groups.

The regular season of the Under 14 league finished with Poole, Bath Cougars, Team Bath and TTNC Aztecs in the top 4 places. The play-off format was for all teams to play each other.  This resulted in Poole winning all their matches with Bath Cougars finishing as runner-up, losing only to Poole.

The top 4 in the Under 16 league were Poole, TTNC Trojans, TTNC Warriors and Bath Cougars. TTNC Trojans won all their play-off matches finishing as overall champions. TTNC Warriors lost only to Trojans on the day but were not eligible for the National finals due to the restriction on the number of teams from one club. Instead, Poole qualified for Nationals having finished just behind Warriors on 9 points.

A big thank you to the umpires and volunteers on the day and congratulations and good luck to all teams qualifying for National finals that are taking place on the following dates.

Under 16: Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May 2022 at the Joan Brown Arena, Redbridge Sports Centre, Ilford.

Under 14: Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May 2022 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

Division 2 Playoffs

The top 4 teams from Netball South West (NSW) Division 2 U14 Regional League and the top two teams from both NSW Division 2 U16 Regional League North and U16 Regional League South, came to Paignton Academy, on Sunday 27th March, for the Regional finals. There was some great netball played and some very exciting results:

U16 North winners, Bournemouth, started the day off well with a 22-22 game v Penryn, the 2nd placed team from the South. Bournemouth went on to beat Hucclecote and lose to a strong Exeter Netball Club (ENC) Pink Eclipse Squad. Penryn narrowly lost to Hucclecote and fought hard but lost to ENC Pink Eclipse. Hucclecote who had struggled in their first match v ENC Pink Eclipse then put up a great performance v Bournemouth narrowly losing 18-20. It was ENC Pink Eclipse who took the honours winning all matches. They were crowned overall champions of Division 2 U16s and winners of Division 2 South U16 League. Bournemouth came 2nd overall and were also the U16 Division 2 North League winners.

There is only one U14 Division 2 League so the top 4 teams from the league came together for a final play off. Once again there were amazing performances and some very exciting games.

Dart Strike improved throughout the day and although they didn’t win a game they put out some gutsy performances. Titans had a win against Darts and very close games with Team Jets and Cowick Pumas. It was the Cowick v Team Jets game which was the match of the day. The lead changed hands throughout the game and the 23-23 final result was a fitting end to a brilliant game.

With Team Jets and Cowick Pumas both on 13 points it went to goal average to decide the winner. Cowick Pumas narrowly took the overall championship with Team Jets coming in 2nd. Cowick Pumas were also crowned U14 League winners with Titan Stars in 2nd place.

A brilliant day of netball to finish the U16 and U14 Regional Leagues.

A special thanks to our umpires and all those who helped to organise and run the day.

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to the South West Regional Coordinator (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk).

Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles.

Over the past few months England Netballs South West members have been working hard to complete their officiating qualifications. An impressive number of umpires going through their training has resulted in a total of 105 members being awarded one of England Netball’s officiating qualifications since September 2021. We want to give a big shout out and congratulations to each of those members.

The first step on the officiating journey is the Into Officiating Award. This course aims to provide learners with an understanding of the basic rules of the game, as well as covering some of the basic positioning and movement required to enable you to ‘whistle well’ whilst being an umpire. Within the South West 57 members have completed their Into Officiating Award from the following counties.

The Next step is the C Award. This award is fantastic for those who are wanting to umpire at a higher level within their counties. Here in the South West we have had 37 members complete their C Award.

Step 3 of the officiating pathway is the B Award. This takes a blended learning approach and equips learners with the knowledge and technique needed to be able to officiate matches at a regional level. The following people have recently been awarded their B Award.

Following on from the B Award the Netball Europe A Umpires Award is the most prestigious Award used by England Netball. Successful Umpires will be expected to contribute to the on-going support of England Netballs Premier League competitions whilst maintaining a continual high standard of umpiring.

The award will allow them (by invitation) to umpire at National League level. With that in mind we want to give a special shout out and congratulations to Gina Pearce who passed her A Award, what a fantastic achievement.

Interested in starting your officiating journey? Then click here to find out more.

Fabulous umpiring achievements aside, we currently have two other very exciting events happening across the region. Firstly, there is less than a week to go until the closing date for our two vacant roles (Wiltshire NDO and Somerset NDO maternity cover).

To find out more and apply for these roles click here.

Secondly, nominations for The ONE Awards are open and we need YOUR help to spotlight the amazing people who make netball happen through officiating, coaching, volunteering, delivering in schools, clubs and local leagues, as committee members and so much more.

Formerly known as the Vitality Goalden Globe Awards, The ONE Awards will celebrate the achievements of regional England Netball volunteers, at the South West ONE awards ceremony. This prestigious event is always much anticipated by South West netball members and is an occasion for the netball family to unite for a day of celebration, and we want you to be part of it. Winners of the regional ONE Awards will also be invited to attend The ONE Awards national ceremony and represent the South West.

To find out more and to nominate someone today click here.

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to the South West Regional Coordinator (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk)

Contact Us

England Netball South West
Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership
Castle Road
Chelston Business Park
Wellington
TA21 9JQ
Charity number: 1197522

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