In line with Board tenures and following an internal review of our Board composition, Netball NI is seeking to recruit enthusiastic and forward-thinking members with specific skills, experience and knowledge relating to the areas of; strategic planning, marketing & commercial, legal and media & communications, to join its Board.
Netball Northern Ireland has announced the 20 athletes who have been selected for the NI Warriors programme, and the 9 athletes who have been selected for the Emerging Warriors programme for 2024-25.
NI Warriors Head Coach, Sheonah Forbes, has named the players who will be part of the NI Warriors programme for 2024-25, where 7 athletes overall have been progressed through the pathway:
Congratulations to the athletes who have been selected for this years NI Warriors Programme. We are really excited to see this squad come together, where we are delighted to see athletes graduating through the pathway. At this point in the cycle, we are committed to developing our pathway and athletes to ensure that we have international ready athletes with a blend of talent and experience.
The programme runs over 12 months and consists of training camps and competitive opportunities, as well as support for the athletes throughout the season.
This programme is underpinned by the Emerging Warriors programme, designed to develop the next generation through exposure to the NI Warriors environment.
NI Warriors 24/25:
| Name | Club/Franchise | Court Area |
| Alex Martin | NE Pheonix/Concordia Netball Club | Attack |
| Ana Mulholland | Crumlin Community Netball Club | Defence |
| Caroline O’Hanlon | Leeds Rhinos NSL/Larkfield Netball Club | Midcourt |
| Ciara Crosbie | Oldham Netball Club | Attack |
| Emma Magee | Leeds Rhinos NSL/The Down Netball Club | Attack |
| Evelyn McCagherty | Weston Park Blades NC, Central Warriors | Midcourt |
| Fionnuala Toner | Belfast Ladies Netball Club | Defence |
| Frances Keenan | Belfast Ladies Netball Club | Midcourt |
| Georgie McGrath | Kingsway Netball Club | Attack |
| Lauren Walshe | Belfast Ladies Netball Club | Defence |
| Lisa Carlin | NE Phoenix/Northumbria University Netball Club | Defence |
| Maria McCann | Belfast Ladies Netball Club | Defence |
| Mia Lanigan | YWCA Bury/Leeds Rhinos | Midcourt |
| Michelle Magee | Leeds Rhinos NSL | Defence |
| Niamh Cooper | Severn Stars NSL | Midcourt |
| Olivia McCloskey | Kingsway Netball Club | Attack |
| Orla McGeough | Manchester Thunder/Liverpool University Netball Club | Midcourt |
| Orlaith Rogers | Sirens Development/Northumbria University | Attack |
| Rachel Duckers | Nottingham Trent University | Attack |
| Rosa McCloskey | Kingsway Netball Club | Attack |
Emerging Warriors 24/25:
| Name | Club/Franchise | Court Area |
| Aela Stewart | Edinburgh University Netball Club | Midcourt |
| Alice O’Brien | Exeter Netball Club/Exeter University Netball Club | Midcourt |
| Erin Young | Belfast Ladies Netball Club | Defence |
| Jill Smiley | YMCA Magic NC/Leeds University Netball Club | Attack |
| Joy Ebbinghaus | Donaghadee Netball Club | Attack |
| Laura Mills | Exeter Netball Club | Midcourt |
| Mica Quinn | Central Warriors | Midcourt |
| Tillie Irvine | Saracens Mavericks/Hertfordshire Uni Netball Club | Defence |
| Zoe Maynard | Team Bath/Mavericks Netball Club | Midcourt |
*club as per the 23/24 season
Simply Telecom has become a sponsor of Netball Northern Ireland, securing its position as our official Telecommunications Partner.
This partnership aims to leverage digital technology to enhance the fan experience, providing more integrated, connected, and personalised interactions for netball fans. The collaboration will focus on using technology to bring fans closer to the team, especially on match days, while also enhancing social media engagement and offering exclusive benefits to club members.
As Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing business telecoms company, Simply Telecom offers a comprehensive range of communication solutions through their relationships with BT, O2, Vodafone and Three.
The NI Warriors are prepared and ready to demonstrate what they are capable of, ahead of their first appearance at the Europe Netball Open Event since 2021, where they will take on the Republic of Ireland, UAE and hosts, Isle of Man.
Given the timing of this event, this is a great opportunity for our newer Warriors to gain exposure on an international stage, play in new units and experience an intense competition period.
The competition will commence on the 16th May, in the National Sports Centre, Isle of Man.
Sheonah Forbes (NI Warriors Head Coach)
We, as the Warriors group, are excited to get ourselves back out there competing on the international stage at Europe Netball and are looking forward to the challenge of 5 games in 4 days. In a period of re-build & training, we cannot wait to see what this group, lead by Fi Toner, can put out there on court.
As we continue to support athletes and their Netball development, the potential of 5 new caps before a period of increased international calendar is pivotal to the growth of the Warriors.
NI Warriors Squad:
| Name | Position | Club/Franchise |
| Lisa Carlin | WD/GD | North East Phoenix NPL |
| Ciara Crosbie | GS/GA | Oldham Netball Club |
| Tillie Irvine | GK/GD | Saracens Mavericks NPL |
| Frances Keenan | WA/C | Belfast Ladies Netball Club |
| Michelle Magee (VC) | GD/WD | Leeds Rhinos NSL |
| Evelyn McCagherty | C/WA | Central Warriors NPL/Weston Park Blades Netball Club |
| Maria McCann | GD/GK | Belfast Ladies Netball Club |
| Olivia McCloskey | GS/GA | Kingsway Netball Club |
| Rosa McCloskey | GA/GS | Kingsway Netball Club |
| Orla McGeough | C/WD | Manchester Thunder NPL |
| Georgie McGrath | GA/WA | Kingsway Netball Club |
| Ana Mulholland | WD/GD | Crumlin Community Netball Club |
| Orlaith Rogers (VC) | GS/GA | Sirens Development NSL |
| Fionnuala Toner (C) | GD/WD | Belfast Ladies Netball Club |
| Lauren Walshe | GK/GD | Belfast Ladies Netball Club |
Reserves: Laura Mills (Durham University Netball Club), Mia Lanigan (Leeds Rhinos NPL/YWCA Bury)
Management
Head Coach – Sheonah Forbes
Assistant Coach – Debbie Bleakley
Team Manager – Beth Healy
Physio – Sinead Chambers
Performance Analyst – Lauren Webb
To note;
Caroline O’Hanlon will not be travelling whilst we support her during a period of load management.
Emma Magee will not be travelling due to currently recovering from injury.
Niamh Cooper will not be travelling due to NSL commitments at a critical time in the calendar.
We know they will all be supporting the Warriors from home.
Tickets can be purchased here.
All matches will be live streamed on the Europe Netball TV YouTube.
If you would like to show your support for the NI Warriors, please donate here.
👉 ACCESS DIGITAL LEARNING HUB HERE👈
Sport NI Digital Learning Hub creates accessible learning opportunities for sport
Sporting organisations, coaches, officials and volunteers are set to benefit from a major new learning resource thanks to investment by Sport NI.
Sport NI’s Digital Learning Hub offers an accessible platform for learners within the sports sector to enhance and develop their knowledge and skills. Learners can complete courses in their own time and at their own pace, logging in at home or on the go via the app.
“With the launch of our Digital Learning Hub, we are ushering in a new era of education within Sport NI,” said Richard Archibald, Interim CEO, Sport NI. “This initiative not only enhances accessibility and flexibility but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the sporting community.”
Accessible via smartphones, tablets and laptops, the hub allows users to fit learning around their daily commitments.
There are currently 24 courses available to complete with six more in development. The courses cover a wide range of topics curated by internal experts, subject matter experts, and esteemed partners including the Open University and SportScotland. From coaching techniques to sports development strategies, learners can explore diverse concepts relevant to their roles in making sport happen across Northern Ireland.
The hub also serves as a digital community for the sector, providing a platform to share resources and communicate with peers. Five national governing bodies of sport including Ulster Hockey, Ulster Badminton, Disability Sport NI, Netball NI, and North West Cricket Union have created their own learning spaces within the Hub, with specialised courses directly aligned to their specific requirements.
Rebecca Hope, Head of Workforce at Netball NI said,
“Our goal is to make learning as accessible and flexible as possible for our members, particularly for those balancing family and work commitments.
“By embracing digital learning, we empower individuals to engage with educational content on their own terms, at their own pace, and in a comfortable environment that suits their needs.”
To date the Hub has over 500 registered users with this number set to grow as more courses become available.
Richard Archibald continued,
“The response to our Digital Learning Hub has been overwhelmingly positive. Our partnership-driven approach ensures that learners at all levels have access to a wide range of development opportunities, equipping the sporting community with the tools it needs to thrive.”
As the project continues to evolve, Sport NI remains committed to expanding its partnership network, developing new digital learning opportunities, and providing valuable resources for individuals dedicated to advancing sports at all levels.
For access to the hub and registration, please visit www.sportlearningni.com
For inquiries, contact digitallearning@sportni.net
Netball NI S&C Coach Mike Bentley is taking on the unimaginable challenge of the Marathon Des Sables, a gruelling 250km journey through the unforgiving Sahara desert.
This race is not for the faint-hearted, with temperatures soaring to 45-50 degrees, treacherous terrain including roads, gravel, rocks, mountains, and sand dunes, and the added challenge of carrying all supplies for the entire event – food, medical, clothes, sleeping bag, you name it. The only luxury is a shared tent and rationed water at the end of each stage. 🌡️💪
He is running to raise awareness and funds for the awesome ‘Hope For Children’ that provides opportunities and supports so many children in need across the world.
If you would like to support Mike, and Hope For Children, you can click here.
We had a chance to catch up with Mike before he heads off on his challenge on Wednesday 10th April, see below what he had to say!
What inspired you to take on the challenge of a 250km race across the Sahara desert?
My inspiration is my family firstly, and all those that have supported me, I want to make them proud. Secondly seeing the work Hope For Children are doing giving children a chance at a childhood inspires me, what those children go through everyday just to survive and keep going is inspirational. I also want to see how far I can push my body, how far I can challenge my self mentally and physically. This is one of the ultimate challenges in the world, in one of the harshest climates and is known as the toughest or one of the toughest races in the world.
Can you describe the preparations you’ve undertaken both physically and mentally for such an extreme endurance event?
I have spent a lot of time running!! My weekly running mileage has been anywhere from 100km a week to 190km a week, I have also managed to keep on track of my gym sessions which have been 2-3 gym sessions a week and on average 2 hot yoga sessions a week. Mentally I have spent a lot of time in my own head good and bad, tried to find ways to cope with difficult situations. I have been fortunate enough to have 2 awesome coaches that I have worked with who have helped me physically and mentally prepare. I have tried to put myself in situations I might find myself in out the in the desert. I think I have turned over every rock to be as prepared as possible. I have spent a lot of time cycling in saunas to try and get acclimatised to the heat and used to sweating a lot. As well as preparing my nutrition so that I know what will suit me when I am out there
What kind of terrain and weather conditions are you expecting to encounter during the race, and how do you plan to navigate through them?
The conditions of the race are pretty extreme, temperatures can be anywhere from 35 to 50+ degrees. The terrains we will be racing over will vary from sand dunes, dried out salt lakes, rocky roads, mountains and gravel. On top of this we have to carry all of our food and a supplies. The only thing provided by the race is rationed water and open air Berber tents. I am expecting it to be hot and uncomfortable. I will lather up in sunscreen try and stay as hydrated as possible with water, electrolytes and loads of salt to help with water absorption and retention.
How do you manage your hydration and nutrition during such a long-distance race in a desert environment?
I plan on having 2 x 750ml bottles one for electrolytes and one for water, aiming to keep my salt levels high and setting a timer on my watch to make sure I am eating and drinking regularly through out each stage
What are some of the biggest challenges you anticipate facing during the race, and how do you plan to overcome them?
The biggest challenge I think is going to be dehydration and foot care. Those are two things that I have pretty strict routines for after each day. And during each day. Make sure I am taking on enough fluids and making sure my feet are well looked after. Some of the pictures and stories from previous competitors tell a gruesome tail lol
Can you share any previous experiences or races that have prepared you for this particular challenge?
I have completed an Ironman and a couple of marathons. But I have never done anything of this scale before!! This is all new to me, a true challenge
How do you stay motivated and focused during the grueling moments of the race, especially considering the vastness and harshness of the desert landscape?
There are going to be some really really tough moments. The biggest thing will be to remember my “why”…. My why is my family and all the people that have supported me, that will keep me going, the charity I am running for and all the children the money I have raised will help. Those are big motivators for me and I know when it gets tough I can lean into those things.
Are there any specific strategies or techniques you employ to pace yourself throughout the race and ensure you have enough energy to finish strong?
My race strategy at the moment is to combine running and walking, trying to run for 20mins walk for 10mins, eat every 20 mins, and take it one check point at a time. I am also carrying with me about 3000 cals a day which should be just about enough to refuel me for the next stage, I hope!
Given the extreme nature of this challenge, are there any safety measures or precautions you’ve put in place to mitigate risks along the way?
Not really any specific measures, I will hopefully recover well each day and spend time after each stage recovering and trying to get my body back to neutral to hopefully minimise injury risk. Keep hydrated and keep the food coming in so that I can compete.
For those who are inspired by your journey and wish to support your cause or contribute to your efforts, how can they donate or offer their support?
I am raising money for Hope For Children who are a fantastic charity that provide so many wonderful opportunities for children who have nothing to succeed and have a childhood. I am fortunate to have had a wonderful childhood with many opportunities given to me by my family, being a dad I am able to hopefully do the same for my children but unfortunately not all children get to have a childhood and that’s what Hope for children is doing. Offering hope to so many children that may not have hope, if people or companies would like to make a donation or contribution I would be hugely grateful, they can find my page below.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mike-Bentley5
You can also track me live:
https://www.marathondessables.com/en
Any messages of support are always welcome and can find me at instagram @mikebentleysc
Netball NI is seeking to increase our delivery staff team by recruiting a Here if You Need Officer to support the increasing demand for coaching our sport across NI. The delivery focused role, will work closely with our development team to provide professional, engaging, and sustainable netball provision to the wider netball community, helping increase our footprint, develop our relationships and build the profile of the business.
The successful candidate will be required to attend a range of daytime, evening and occasional weekend events across Northern Ireland.
HIYN Job Description & Personal Specification
CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria should be emailed to admin@netballni.org
Closing date for applications is Monday 18th March 4pm
Netball Northern Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.
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
As we come close to the end of another successful League Season, it’s a time to reflect on the year and look ahead to the promotions and relegations with the Netball NI League structure.
Not sure where your team is currently sitting in your league? Check out the league fixtures here.
Check out the Illustration of promotion/relegation and PLAY OFF details for finish of season 23-24 document below…
