Warriors in Action

Double Victory for the Warriors: Two Wins and Two Major Milestones

Netball Northern Ireland celebrates a weekend of success for the Northern Ireland Warriors, who secured back-to-back wins in international test matches held behind closed doors. These fixtures, arranged at short notice, provided a critical performance opportunity as the team builds toward qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The Warriors showcased composure, grit, and high-level execution across both matches — a promising display of form and resilience under pressure.

Standout Moments:

  • Orlaith Rogers was named Player of the Match in Game 1, delivering a phenomenal shooting performance of 48 goals from 50 attempts (96%).
  • Jill Smiley proudly earned her first senior international cap, a major milestone in her netball journey and a proud moment for the squad.

Netball Northern Ireland extends sincere thanks to the nations who helped facilitate these matches.

New Warriors Assistant Coach Appointed

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NNI Volunteer call – Officials Working Group member recruitment

Officials Working Group (OWG) member recruitment
Deadline for applications 12 noon on Friday 23rd May 2025

Netball NI seek working group members to support us in our delivery of two Goals within our Strongest Together Strategy: Grow Participation and Transform Competition.

An ambitious strategy that has united our members and supporters, we are seeking volunteer support with a critical element of our business – our officiating community , across all elements of umpiring pathway and table officiating .

We are seeking to appoint new members to the Officials Working Group (OWG) that will undertake a review of officiating within NI and determine appropriate structures and planning to meet the needs of all grassroots, domestic competitions and Netball NI performance pathway.

The group, following consultation, will devise structures that consider both performance and participation strands of our officiating workforce providing appropriate opportunity and support for current and prospective officials to enjoy and engage in netball, and to support the development of officials across the pathway of schools, clubs and elite netball in NI taking into consideration the practical delivery commitments at each level.

Netball NI would like to appoint new members to an ambitious and motivated Officials Working Group to work alongside our Development staff team to ensure we are providing enjoyable, relevant support & opportunities alongside development for our members.

The successful group members should have a passion for developing and growing officiating in our domestic game, with an understanding of the purposes and impact officials serve both to our clubs and our members who range from social to elite.

Please see link for full Terms of Reference for the group attached
Officiating Working Group Terms of Reference May 25

How to apply
Please send your netball /officiating ( umpiring, tutor, mentoring, table official or other relevant areas) administration experience along with a covering letter detailing why you would like the role and your suitability and vision for the group to headofdevelopment@netballni.org before 12 noon on Friday 23rd May 2025.

If you have any questions please get in touch with Lisa Rickett via email headofdevelopment@netball.org Officiating Working Group Terms of Reference May 25

NNI Board Appoints New Director

The Netball NI Board are pleased to announce appointments are underway following a successful recruitment process. We are delighted to welcome Nicola McCarthy, to join the Board of Directors commencing her role in January 2025.

An experienced sport broadcast journalist with over 10 years working in the industry, covering a host of sports and sporting competitions, Nicola is skilled across traditional and new media, digital and social media, communications and public relations as well as content creation among others.

Currently studying a masters in Sport Directorship through Manchester Metropolitan University, Nicola will bring her leadership skills, understanding of what makes an effective team, personal reflection skills, creativity and innovation skills, as well as a deep understanding of effective governance to the Netball NI Board.

I am delighted to be on board, I have a genuine love of and wide interest across many sports and I’m really looking forward to getting started and contributing what I can to netball, a sport that has been very close to my heart. Nicola McCarthy

We are delighted to welcome Nicola to the Netball NI board, her experience and knowledge of sport is vast. She is a passionate advocate of participation in sport and I know she will be a great asset for NNI! Helen Stirling, Chair

Nicola takes up her position in January 2025 and we know our members will give her a warm welcome to the netball family.

NNI Board appoints new Director

The Netball NI Board are pleased to announce appointments are underway following a successful recruitment process. First to be appointed, we are delighted to welcome, Mr. Michael Gibbs, to join the Board of Directors commencing his role in December 2024. 

Specialising in long-term financial management and planning, Michael has extensive experience working across the public sector with individuals and groups to design, improve and repair attitudes, relationships and strategic alliances. 

A senior trainer in conflict resolution with a diploma in executive coaching, Michael also supports businesses to develop communication skills that support operational success. 

Michael Gibbs, 

“I am honoured to accept this opportunity to contribute to the Netball community and support the growth and empowerment of girls and women in Northern Ireland. I look forward to using my experience to help drive the organisation’s strategic objectives and to work alongside such a dedicated team. This role resonates strongly with my commitment to community development across all communities in Northern Ireland, and I am excited to support Netball NI in delivering its mission.” 

Helen Stirling, Chair 

‘We are delighted to welcome Michael to the Netball NI Board. We believe his experience in strategic roles, as well as background in governance, change management and communication will be a real asset to Netball NI.’ 

Michael takes up his position in December 2024 and we know our members will give him a warm welcome to the netball family. 

Kukri become the first Title Partner of Netball NI Premier League

Netball NI are excited to announce, long term kit partner, Kukri Sports, are once again showing their support for our sport by becoming the first title partner of the highest league in our domestic competition. The Premier league sees many of our Warriors, Emerging Warriors and U21 athletes competing against one another for their club teams every Friday night in Lisburn Racquets Club.

Current holders Belfast Ladies will be pushing hard to retain the title, while Kingsway will be aiming to continue the form that saw them pip Belfast Ladies in a thrilling Cup Final last season that went to extra time! Newly promoted Valley return to the Premier League joining Donaghadee, Crumlin, Larkfield, Belfast Ladies 2 and Kingsway 2nds in what will be a hotly contested season of top quality matches.

Kukri Sports County Manager, Neil Patterson had this to say about the new Premier League Partnership:

“Kukri Sports is delighted to come on board as the title partner for the Netball NI Premier League. As well as being long term partners to the Warriors and NNI representative teams, we have been thrilled to supply many Clubs and Schools at grassroot level. We look forward to supporting all of our clubs during another exciting season!”  Neil Patterson, Country Manager for N.I. and R.O.I. Kukri Sports