Netball Northern Ireland, the national governing body of the sport, is signalling its intent to develop and grow netball at every level across every part of Northern Ireland with the launch of a new Strategy Group bringing together expertise across a range of areas. 

 

Working with the Executive Team and Governing Board, it will aim to maximise commercial revenue, strengthen the brand, enhance engagement and elevate the visibility and reputation of netball in Northern Ireland, the UK and Ireland, and around the world. 

 

Chaired by Netball Northern Ireland Chief Executive Karen Rollo, the group includes experts from commercial, communications, marketing, media and digital: 

 

• Debbie Hallas – the owner of the UK’s leading online netball retailer Netball UK who owned and led Super League franchise Manchester Thunder for nearly 20 years as well as coaching England’s most successful club team, Oldham Netball. 

 

• Martin James – owner of sports advertising and sponsorship agency Sports360 who has been working with some of the most recognisable clubs and brands for over 25 years. 

 

• Lisa Venney –board member with Netball Northern Ireland and digital marketing expert 

 

• Stephen Naylor – strategic communications, engagement and policy specialist who has worked with netball franchises and businesses for over a decade. 

 

The Group will play a central role in shaping and advising on a long-term commercial strategy focused on building sustainable revenue streams across sponsorship, partnerships, broadcast, events and merchandise. It will also support the identification and evaluation of new commercial opportunities and innovative engagement models. 

 

Alongside, the Group will provide strategic oversight of Netball NI’s brand and communications activity, ensuring consistent positioning, clear narrative development and effective engagement with key audiences across all platforms. 

 

A key priority for the Group is to elevate the profile of netball, increase participation and bring a new audience to the sport – engaging at every level, from the elite athletes who represent Northern Ireland, to the dozens of clubs with hundreds of players, to schools across the country. 

 

Karen Rollo, Chief Executive of Netball Northern Ireland, said: 

 

“Forming this Group reflects Netball NI’s commitment to delivering sustainable growth and enhancing the visibility of the sport.  

 

“By bringing together a range of experts, all passionate about netball and who share our ambition to be a top eight national team supported by a strong pathway of leagues, clubs and schools, it will play a vital role in ensuring we continue to build a strong, inclusive and high-performing organisation.”