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
Netball NI Young Ambassadors Programme
What’s it all about?
Want to grow your skills, meet new people, and make a difference in sport? The Netball NI Young Ambassadors Programme is your chance!
Running from 1 October 2025 – 31 March 2026, this 6-month journey is designed for young people aged 13–18 from across Northern Ireland. Together we’ll build confidence, leadership, and friendships while exploring netball and other sports — all while learning more about issues that matter to young people today.
Thanks to support from the NI Executive under the T:BUC programme, it’s completely free to take part.
What you’ll get 🎉
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A coaching or umpiring award to kickstart your journey in sport
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Workshops on leadership, good relations, mental health & wellbeing
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Skills and fitness sessions with top coaches (netball + other sports)
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A real voice in the development of netball in NI
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Support to plan your own community event
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A network of friends and ambassadors just like you 🚀
We’ll split participants into two regional groups so travel is a bit easier, but everyone will come together across NI.
What we ask from you 🙌
Between October and March, you’ll:
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Join a monthly weekend development day (6 total)
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Take part in a monthly evening online session (1–2 hours)
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Help out as a coach or leader at an NNI event, camp, or fun day
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Be open to learning, sharing your voice, and representing your peers
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Have permission from a parent/guardian to get involved (and appear in photos/media)
How to Apply 📝🎥
You can apply in a way that suits you:
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Write it down – a short application answering the questions below, OR
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Record a video (1–2 minutes max) and send it in!
Tell us:
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Who you are, your age, and where you live
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Your netball/sport journey so far (when you started, who you play for, etc.)
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Why you love sport
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Why you’d like to join the Young Ambassadors Programme
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What skills and qualities you’ll bring
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If you were an animal, which one would you be — and why? 🐾
📩 Send written applications to: headofdevelopment@netballni.org (FAO: Lisa Rickett)
📱 Send video applications via WhatsApp to: 07850102761
Deadline to apply: Wednesday 17 September 2025 at 12 noon.
Don’t leave it to the last minute — spaces are limited!
💡 This programme isn’t just about netball. It’s about you — your voice, your growth, your chance to shine.
The Inaugural Celtic Cup to be Hosted in Glasgow at the iconic Emirates Arena this November
Mark your calendars for a new, thrilling netball event coming this November!
Running from the 7th to 10th of November 2024, teams from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Zimbabwe will compete for the new Celtic Cup in a showcase of elite-level, competitive netball.
The event is designed for both seasoned fans and novices, providing the opportunity to see international netball at its best. The tournament will follow a round-robin format from Thursday to Saturday, with the finals being held on Sunday, November 10.
Tickets
Your exclusive member pre-sale ticket window opens at 9 am today (13th September) giving you the chance to secure the best seats in the house for the event before general sale opens at 12 pm.
Tickets now on sale – click here
The Celtic Cup
The Celtic Cup has been created by Netball Northern Ireland, Netball Scotland, and Wales Netball to provide the best competitive tournament for athletes and spectators alike outside of the World Cup and Commonwealth Games. It is intended that the competition will grow in the coming years to include more invitational teams.
Event Details:
Dates: November 7-10, 2024
Venue: Emirates Arena, Glasgow
Teams: Welsh Feathers (Wales, ranked 9th), Scottish Thistles (Scotland, ranked 10th), Northern Ireland Warriors (Northern Ireland, ranked 11th) and Zimbabwe Gems (ranked 13th)
Why You Can’t Miss This:
🌟 Elite-level netball at its finest
🔥 Four days of non-stop action
🌍 International rivalry and sportsmanship
🏅 A chance to see history in the making
Join us at the Celtic Cup to experience a weekend of high-energy and strategic gameplay, as we continue building on this chapter of Netball in Northern Ireland.
