Netball NI Young Ambassadors Programme

The Netball NI Young Ambassadors Programme is a 6-month-long opportunity (October to March) for anyone to get involved in sports and Good Relations Leadership and Development. It is open to all between the ages of 14 and 19 (age by application close date) and aims to involve all successful applicants across Northern Ireland. The programme aims to build and develop valuable life skills in participants by participation in sports specific and Good Relations based activities addressing areas such as mental health and well-being, current range of communities in NI, youth specific issues, opportunities to form a voice on behalf of peers This is while exploring all elements of netball and other sports to widen experience and learning  

We aim to have 2 groups covering a geographic area each to slightly lessen travel time for in-person activities whilst engaging every area of NI. 

What is included: 

-Intro to Coaching Netball Award or Foundation Umpire Award 

-Club Captains Leadership Workshop 

-Good Relations and Mental Health and wellbeing workshops 

-Fitness and skills session with high performance and community coaches in netball as well as additional sports 

– A voice in the development of netball 

-Support to set up a community event as final part of the programme 

 

If Successful, what is expected of you as a participant? (October ‘24 to Mar’25) 

  • Attend 1 Youth Forum for young ambassadors online a month, sessions will be between 1 and 2 hours 
  • Willingness and ability to travel (or get transported to) to monthly youth ambassador development days- 6 in total across NI plus local event activity  
  • Participation as a coach or leader at an NNI led event, camp or Fun day. 
  • Permission from parent or guardian to participate and be involved in photos and media content. 
  • Completion of anonymous good relations questionnaires Pre, Post and during  programme 

How do I apply?

Send a written application or simply record a 1–2-minute video answering the following questions- 

  • Tell us who you are, what age you are, the city/town you live in and tell us briefly about your netball or sporting journey  
  • When did you start playing, who do you currently play for? Tell us your playing history. 
  • Why do you love netball or sport? 
  • Why do you want to be involved in the NNI Young Ambassador’s Programme 
  • What skills and qualities can you bring to the role of young ambassador 
  • If you were an animal, what would you be and why? 

Send your videos or written applications to Lisa Rickett via email on headofdevelopment@netballni.org OR send Videos via Whatsapp on 07850102761 CLOSING DATE – Wednesday 9th October 12 noon 

Netball Northern Ireland Awards Night 2024 Honours Individuals, League Winners, and Hall of Fame Inductee – Liz Rodgers!

The Netball NI Awards Night 2024 was a spectacular celebration, uniting netballers, sponsors, and the wider netball community of Northern Ireland to honour the extraordinary achievements of league champions, recognise another inductee into the prestigious Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame and applaud other exceptional award recipients. This glittering event showcased the dedication, skill, and passion that define netball in Northern Ireland all set in the stunning location of Galgorm Resort and Spa – Netball NI Partner.

The evening commenced with a grand ceremony as league winners from various divisions took the spotlight. It was a moment of pride for these teams and players who had exemplified remarkable teamwork, strategic prowess, and unwavering resilience throughout the season.  We were privileged to have Debbie Hallas, Managing Director of our retail partner Netball UK, present the league trophies, adding a special touch to the celebrations.

Our Junior League winners this year are as follows:

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Our Senior League winners this year are as follows:

 

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In addition to honouring the league winners, the Netball NI Awards Night celebrated several individuals who had excelled in their respective fields. Awards were presented in various categories, including NI Pathway Coach of the Year, The Erin Thomson Award for the Most Promising Young Player, International Player of the Year and Official of the Year. These awardees were recognised for their outstanding contributions, unwavering commitment, and dedication to the sport, earning well-deserved applause from all in attendance.

Individual award winners were as follows:

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A defining moment of the evening was the newest inductee into the Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame, named in honor of the beloved “mummy of netball,” Moya McVeigh.

This prestigious recognition celebrates extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on the sport and significantly contributed to its growth in Northern Ireland. This year’s inductee was Liz Rodgers. Liz is one of only 5 athletes across world netball who have represented their country in 5 World Cup events, 1975, 1979, 1983, 1987 & 1991, including 2 as Captain.  Debuting at the World Cup in 1975, she had a distinguished netball playing career for NI as well as leading at club level, teaching and bringing up her family.  She has coached hundreds of netballers in both a school and club setting, remaining a close friend and confidant for many. This inductee has held coaching roles for NI in the regional set up and also as a selector. Her achievements go above and beyond those listed above.  Congratulations Liz, we are delighted to welcome you to the Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame!

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Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame Athlete Inductee 2024 – Liz Rodgers pictured with Netball NI Executive Manager Karen Rollo-Stewart

In March this year, our U17’s attended the European Championships in Gibraltar, with an outstanding performance, winning all their matches. The team won Gold in the Challenge section. We were delighted to have the U17s in attendance to receive their Gold Medals.

Co-Captains Aoibheann Donnelly and Evie McCafferty receiving their trophy with Kukri Country Manager, Neil Patterson

A huge highlight of the evening was welcoming NNI Senior Head Coach Sheonah Forbes, U17 Head Coach Jenny Clayton and NI Warrior and Miss Northern Ireland 2nd Runner up 2024 Lauren Walshe to the stage for a Q&A.  It was enlightening to hear from some Netball NI coaches and one very special Warrior.

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Special Guests Jenny Clayton, Lauren Walshe and Sheonah Forbes with event Host and NNI Digital Media and Communications Executive Emma Wallace

As the awards were presented and the night unfolded, it provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made by netball in Northern Ireland. The event allowed the netball community to express gratitude to everyone involved in the sport, from players and coaches to administrators and volunteers. It was a chance to recognise the collective effort required to achieve success and to thank those who contribute their time and resources to the growth and development of netball.

The Netball NI Awards Night was a resounding success, celebrating the achievements of league winners, honouring the newest inductee of the Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame and recognising other outstanding individuals within the netball community. This prestigious event not only celebrated the accomplishments of the winners but also highlighted the immense talent, dedication and passion that thrives within the world of netball in Northern Ireland. It served as a reminder of the sport’s profound impact and promising future, inspiring future generations to reach greater heights.

Netball NI Awards 2024: Back To The Galgorm For An Unforgettable Night!

Link for Tickets: https://forms.office.com/e/v8xgknnfLm

Link for NNI Individual award nominations – https://forms.office.com/e/VtzBKv1gvg

Link for NNI Club and Team Award Nominations – https://forms.office.com/e/xEhHUAC74V

Link for Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame Award Nominations – https://forms.office.com/e/aRgQRVG9Ke

BUS ENQUIRY: email Rachel on admin@netballni.org by 10th May.

Prepare for an evening of celebration, honouring individuals and beautiful locale as Netball Northern Ireland’s prestigious Awards Night returns to the illustrious setting of Galgorm Resort and Spa. After the resounding success of last year’s event, we are gearing up to honour the outstanding achievements of our netball stars, league victors, and trailblazers who continue to shape netball’s landscape in Northern Ireland.

The Netball NI Awards Night will pay tribute to League winners and the excellence within our sport.  It will honour remarkable individuals who volunteer so much of their time to keep our club and school netball going as well as embrace our legacy following the unveiling of the esteemed Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame last year. We will once again pay tribute to those whose indelible mark on netball in Northern Ireland will forever be etched in history.

Netball NI invites you to be a part of this extraordinary celebration, an event that not only honours the achievements of our netball stars but also ignites the flame of inspiration in the hearts of future generations. Together, let’s celebrate excellence, embrace legacy, and pave the way for a future where netball continues to thrive and inspire.

We are Netball NI, and we really are #strongesttogether

BUS ENQUIRY: email Rachel on admin@netballni.org by 10th May.

Link for Tickets: https://forms.office.com/e/v8xgknnfLm

Link for NNI Individual award nominations – https://forms.office.com/e/VtzBKv1gvg

Link for NNI Club and Team Award Nominations – https://forms.office.com/e/xEhHUAC74V

Link for Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame Award Nominations – https://forms.office.com/e/aRgQRVG9Ke

Celebrating Excellence: Netball Northern Ireland Awards Night Honours individuals, League Winners and Hall of Fame Inductees!

The Netball NI Awards Night was a momentous occasion that brought together netballers, sponsors and the extended netball family in NI to celebrate the outstanding achievements of league winners, pay tribute to the first inductees of the esteemed Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame, and acknowledge other remarkable award winners. This star-studded event was a testament to the dedication, skill, and passion that permeate the world of netball in Northern Ireland.

The Netball NI Awards Night began with a flourish as league winners from various divisions took centre stage. It was a proud moment for these teams and players who had demonstrated exceptional teamwork, strategy, and resilience throughout the season. The presentation highlighted their outstanding accomplishments and the commitment they had shown to their sport. We were thankful to welcome Debbie Hallas Managing Director of our retail partner Netball UK to present the League trophies.

Our Junior League winners this year are as follows:


U14C – Clann Eireann 2


U14B – Westside


U14A – Crumlin 1

 


U16A – Crumlin 1


U19A – Belfast Ladies 1

 

Our Senior League winners this year are:


Senior 5 – Bangor 3


Senior 3 – Crumlin 3


Senior 2 – Bangor 1

 


Senior 1 – Donaghadee 1


Premier League – Belfast Ladies 1

 

Beyond the league winners, the Netball NI Awards Night also paid tribute to several individuals who had excelled in their respective areas of expertise. Awards were presented for categories such as NI Pathway Coach of The Year, The Erin Thomson Award for the ‘Most Promising Young Player’, International player of the year, and Official of the Year. These individuals were applauded for their exceptional contributions, commitment, and dedication to the sport.

 

Our Winners on the night were: