Netball NI Young Ambassadors Programme

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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 

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. 

Northern Ireland U17 & U19 National Academy Selection

Netball Northern Ireland are delighted to announce the recently selected U17 & U19 National Academy.

45 athletes have been selected across the two Academies for the 2024-25 season, led by returning Head Coaches, Jenny Clayton (U17), and Andi Magee (U19). These Academies will be working towards U19 Europe Netball December 2024, and U17 Europe Netball March 2025.

The Academies include 10 athletes who currently sit on the U21 and/or Emerging Warriors programme, and 11 athletes who have progressed from the Northern Ireland U15 Regional Academy, along with many other talented athletes who are new or returning to the programme.

Over the coming months, the Academies will attend regular training camps, whilst pushing themselves in competition to develop connections on and off the court.

U17 Head Coach, Jenny Clayton, commented

I’d like to congratulate the athletes selected to this year’s Northern Ireland U17 National Academy. It’s great to have some returning athletes and we are also excited to welcome new athletes. Fi Toner and I are looking forward to working with this group as they develop through the NI pathway.

U19 Head Coach, Andi Magee, commented

After a rigorous and thorough trailing period, we are delighted with the announcement of the Northern Ireland U19 National Academy. Congratulations to those athletes who have been successful. This was a very difficult selection process, which shows just how much depth we have in Northern Ireland. Shaunagh and I are looking forward to working with this group of athletes.

Northern Ireland Under 17 National Academy 2024-2025 

Name  Club   Position 
Anna Owen  Portadown Netball Club  Midcourt 
Anna Rice  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Circle Attack 
Aoibheann Donnelly  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Midcourt 
Aiobheann Monaghan  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Midcourt 
Aoife Mackle  Kingsway Netball Club  Midcourt 
Aoife Wolfe  Belfast Ladies Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Chloe Bunting  Stratford Thunderbirds  Circle Attack 
Ema Jones  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Emilia Gordon  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Circle Attack 
Evie McCafferty  Clann Eireann Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Faye Pearson   Seven Towers Netball Club  Midcourt 
Grace Gordon  Belfast Ladies Netball Club  Circle Attack 
Jemima Watson  Westside Netball Club  Midcourt 
Kara Scott  Louth Netball Club/Aspire Netball Academy   Circle Attack 
Keri Gray  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Kiana Forde  MK Dons Netball Club  Circle Attack 
Lydia Grant  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Midcourt 
Maisie Rainer  Holywood Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Marleigh Coster  Altrincham Netball Club  Midcourt 
Matilda McCartney  Kingsway Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Orlaigh McMahon  Belfast Ladies Netball Club  Midcourt 
Ruby Tolland  Holywood Netball Club  Midcourt 
Sienna McCartney  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Sylvie Burrows  Tor Knights Netball Club  Circle Attack

U17 tracked athletes

Name  Club   Position 
Isabella McWilliams  Kingsway Netball Club  Midcourt 
Jessica Hotchkiss  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Midcourt 

*clubs as per 23/24 season 

U17 National Academy Management 

Head Coach Jenny Clayton 

Assistant Coach Fionnuala Toner 

Team Manager Charlotte Elliott 

 

Northern Ireland Under 19 National Academy 2024-25 

Name   Club   Position 
Alice Black  Kent County Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Annie Elliott  Banbridge Netball Club  Midcourt 
Bryony O’Hare  Exeter University Netball Club  Midcourt 
Emily Brownleader  Royals Windsor/Surrey Storm NPL  Midcourt 
Erin Gray  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Midcourt  
Eva Scott  Antrim Ladies Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Eva Wilson  Belfast Ladies Netball Club  Circle Attack 
Faye Kelly  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Georgia Miller  Valley Netball Club  Midcourt 
Isabella Paas  Hatfield Netball Club/University of Leicester Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Joy Ebbinghaus  Donaghadee Netball Club  Circle Attack 
Katie Allen  Seven Towers  Circle Defence 
Katie Irvine  Laganside Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Lucy Ly  Westside Netball Club  Midcourt 
Matilda Moore  Milfield School Netball/Shorwell Netball Club  Circle Attack 
Mia Law  Kingsway Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Ruby Gajree  Notthinghamshire Sirens  Midcourt 
Willow Dryden  Telstars Netball Club  Circle Attack 
Zoe Maynard  Mavericks Netball Club  Midcourt 

*Clubs as per 23/24 season 

U19 National Academy Management 

Head Coach Andi Magee 

Assistant Coach Shaunagh Craig 

Team Manager Caroline Davis 

NI Warriors Squad for Paradise Series Update

Sheonah Forbes has named her leadership team ahead of the Paradise Series vs the Bajan Gems at the end of the month, as well as adding a 14th player to the squad.

Caroline O’Hanlon has been named as Captain, with Fi Toner as Vice. Michelle Magee and Orlaith Rogers are also continuing in leadership roles, after a successful campaign at Europe Netball May 2024.

Recently named U21 National Squad Captain, Orla McGeough, has also been elevated into the travelling squad.

Sheonah Forbes – NI Warriors Head Coach

I am delighted we have been able to add Orla into the squad travelling to Barbados as well as showing our commitment to developing people in leadership roles each time we compete internationally, now and beyond.

The squad will travel to Barbados on the 19th August, ahead of the first Test Match on Saturday 24th August.

Test Match 1 – Saturday 24th August 1am UK time

Test Match 2 – Monday 26th August 1am UK time

Test Match 3 – Tuesday 27th August 1am UK time

Northern Ireland U21 National Squad Selected for WYCQ 2024

The Northern Ireland U21 National Squad selection has been made, ahead of the World Youth Cup Qualifiers in September 2024.

The Qualifiers will take place in Cardiff, Wales on the 24th-29th September. Northern Ireland will compete against Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, UAE and Wales in a bid to qualify for the World Cup in 2025.

Sachel Grant, U21 Head Coach, expressed her delight with this squad selection.

Congratulations to all selected for the squad and the reserves. I am very excited to lead this team at the WYCQ. These athletes along with those not selected at this time have pushed each other over the last 7 months and have made this decision very hard. The make up of the squad is exciting with some serious ball winners, shooters who are confident to go to post and mid courters who are strong and dynamic. The mix of youth and experience is also key to our squad selection. Our aim is to qualify for the World Cup and this squad shows clearly our intentions.

Under 21 National Squad: 

Name   Club   Position 
Alex Martin  Concordia Netball Club/NE Phoenix  Circle Attack 
Alice O’Brien  Exeter Netball Club/Exeter University Netball Club  Midcourt 
Ana Mulholland (VC)  Crumlin Community Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Evelyn McCagherty  Central Warriors NPL/Weston Park Blades Netball Club  Midcourt 
Jill Smiley (VC)  YMCA Magic NC/Leeds University Netball Club  Circle Attack 
Joy Ebbinghaus  Donaghadee Netball Club  Circle Attack 
Lisa Carlin   NE Phoenix/Northumbria University Netball Club  Circle Defence 
Mia Lanigan   YWCA Bury/Leeds Rhinos  Midcourt 
Mica Quinn  Central Warriors NPL  Circle Defence 
Orla McGeough (C)  Manchester Thunder NPL  Midcourt 
Rosa McCloskey  Kingsway Netball Club  Circle Attack 
Tillie Irvine  Saracens Mavericks NPL/Hertfordshire University Netball Club  Circle Defence 

Reserves:  

Anna Rice (Crumlin Community Netball Club) 

Erin Young (Belfast Ladies Netball Club) 

Zoe Maynard (Team Bath, Mavericks Netball Club) 

*Clubs as per the 2023/24 season 

Management 

Head Coach – Sachel Grant 

Assistant Coach – Lisa Bowman 

Team Manager – Charlotte Elliott 

Physio – Gavin Noble 

PA – Lauren Webb 

Support the U21 Squad here !

Board Members Wanted

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. 

Read more

NI Warriors confirmed for the 2024-25 programme

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 

Secondary Schools 24-25 affiliation NOW OPEN

Secondary Schools affiliation for 2024-25 and the years competitions are now OPEN with the deadline of Fri 5th July 2024.
All affiliation forms should be returned via email (with payment via BACS) to Rachel Barr – admin@netballni.org OR completed and brought along with payment to the schools forum in person on Tues 25th June.
All previously affiliated schools ( from 23-24 year)have been sent these details directly, but can also download the form below.
Please also see reminder details of the Secondary Schools Forum below
Schools forum reminder-
Schools Forum 2024 will take place for affiliated schools as detailed below
Time:       11-1pm
Venue:      Lecture Theatre, Antrim Area Board building , Antrim ( across from Antrim Forum L.C)
Date:       Tuesday 25th June 2024
This forum will be taking place in the lecture theatre which has a set number of seats so we need all those attending to confirm by way of registration via our sportslomo platform online via the link below.
If you have any questions or issues please contact Rachel Barr via email: admin@netballni.org or – Lisa Rickett – Headofdevelopment@netballni.org

Simply Telecom Become Official Telecommunications Partner Of Netball NI Partner!

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.

Northern Ireland Selects Warriors Squad Ahead Of Europe Netball Open

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.