Northern Ireland Netball Warriors Long Squad & Emerging Warriors Announced!

Northern Ireland is thrilled to announce the athletes selected for the new cycle of NI Warriors Long Squad.

After a period of uncertainty while completion of the recruitment process for the new Head Coach was completed, (Read more about Sheonah Forbes, new Warriors Head Coach here) we were delighted with the response to trials. A significant number of athletes registered and left an indelible mark on the court.

The trials were designed to assess the athletes’ skills and potential thoroughly. A full day of movement, skills, and match play allowed the selection panel to evaluate the candidates’ abilities in a variety of scenarios. After careful consideration, 15 talented individuals were selected to form the core of the Northern Ireland Netball Warriors Squad. Furthermore, the opportunity to expand the squad to 18 remains open, as there are still nine registered athletes who are yet to be evaluated.

In addition to the Long Squad, a group of seven outstanding athletes has been chosen as the ‘Emerging Warriors.’ These individuals demonstrated exceptional potential during the trials and will receive specialised support through focused training sessions. The Emerging Warriors will have the opportunity to train alongside the full Warrior group, providing them with valuable experience and exposure to the highest level of play.

Northern Ireland Netball is excited about the future and the potential this talented group of athletes brings to the team as we build into a new cycle of netball and aim to perform on the world stage. With the Long Squad finalised and the possibility of expanding it in the near future, the coaching staff is optimistic about the success that lies ahead. Congratulations once again to all the athletes who have been selected, and we look forward to witnessing your growth and accomplishments on and off the court.

Warriors Head Coach Appointed

Warriors Head Coach Appointed

Netball NI are excited to announce, we have completed our recruitment process for the Warriors Head Coach and are thrilled to have appointed Sheonah Forbes to the role.

As we move forward with the recommendations from the Performance Review and build our High Performance and Performance Pathway programmes, Sheonah is perfect Head Coach to lead our performance team.

‘Sheonah really impressed at interview; she has excellent experience most recently as England Netball Pathways Head Coach, fulfilling both Head Coaching roles and developing the Future Roses programme.

Her professional, experienced background imbedded in High Performance will be invaluable to the Warriors with the ability to lead on culture and style of play of the group as a whole and individuals.’

Helen Stirling, Chair

‘We have taken our time to appoint our new Head Coach as this appointment will be instrumental in the next phase of our work in performance. On connecting with Sheonah it has been clear from the start her passion for developing athletes and supporting their drive for success is second to none. Her experience and knowledge speak for itself.  Add to that her integrity, personal values and dedication to her sport, she is the ideal fit for the Warriors and the wider Netball NI staff team and I am really looking forward to seeing her take us forward.’

Karen Rollo-Stewart, Executive Manager

‘I am delighted to have been appointed into this key role for Netball Northern Ireland and a role that I am excited to step into. I can’t wait to contribute to the next phase in developing the Warriors both on and off the court, the systems supporting this, to ensure we are in the best place possible for future success. I look forward to meeting the team as well as using my knowledge and experiences to drive the Warriors through this next cycle.’

Sheonah Forbes, NI Warriors Head Coach

We know our members have been keen to see the Warriors back and will wish Sheonah well in her role.

Netball NI welcome Meg Wallace to the staff team as Performance Coordinator

Following a thorough recruitment process, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Meg Wallace to the Netball NI staff team in the new position of Performance Coordinator. The role has been created following our independent performance review with a significant remit to drive the structural and programme recommendations to build a sustainable, successful performance pathway for our NI athletes.

Rebecca Hope; Head of Workforce

We are delighted to have Meg Wallace join the performance department in the role of Performance Coordinator.

Her varied experience across grass roots and performance coupled with her solid work ethic made her an excellent candidate for this role, and someone who has the initiative and willingness to drive the achievements from the recent Performance Review.

Meg will be leading the operational and logistic plans behind our performance pathway squads and programmes and be the first point of contact for coaches, team managers and parents.

Meg Wallace

I am absolutely delighted to begin working with Netball NI, an organisation that has so much potential in such an exciting time for netball and women’s sport. I am looking forward to contributing to a new era of performance netball within Netball NI and driving the objectives of the performance pathway.

Meg will take up the position mid-July and as we welcome her to the staff team, we know our members will wish her well in role.

Primary & Secondary Affiliations NOW OPEN!

The deadline for affiliation is Friday, June 30, 2023

Primary School Affiliation Form

Primary-School-League-INFO-2023-2024

Secondary-Schools-Affiliation-form-2023-24

In Northern Ireland, Netball NI has been at the forefront of promoting and developing netball , nurturing talent and providing opportunities for players of all ages. Now, Netball NI is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand new Primary School Affiliation Package, designed to bring the exciting world of netball directly to the heart of primary education.

Netball NI understands the vital role that primary schools play in shaping young minds and fostering a love for sports. The Primary School Affiliation Package aims to empower schools to introduce and integrate netball into their curriculum, offering a multitude of benefits for students, teachers, and the community as a whole.

One of the key advantages of affiliating with Netball NI is access to a wealth of resources and support. Affiliated schools will receive access to specific professional support in relation to; coach, official and volunteer development, performance opportunities, governance support, safeguarding personnel all tailored specifically for primary school teachers and students. These resources will equip primary teachers with the tools they need to deliver engaging netball sessions, regardless of their level of expertise. Netball NI will also provide ongoing guidance and advice to teachers, ensuring they feel confident and empowered in their role as facilitators of the sport.

Affiliated schools will also gain access to a vibrant netball community. Netball NI organises regular events, competitions and blitz days that bring together teachers, coaches, and players from various schools. This community-building aspect fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the opportunity to learn from experienced netball professionals. Through this network, schools can develop partnerships, exchange best practices, and create a supportive environment that promotes the growth of netball at the grassroots level.

The launch of the new Netball NI Primary School Affiliation Package marks an exciting chapter in the development of netball at the grassroots level.

By affiliating with Netball NI, primary schools gain access to a comprehensive support system, a thriving netball community and thrilling participation opportunities for their students.

Join Netball NI and be part of a movement that will inspire, empower, and transform the lives of young netball enthusiasts across Northern Ireland.

Primary School Affiliation Form

Primary School League INFO 2023-2024

SECONDARY SCHOOL AFFILIATION INFO

In response to the valuable input received from the school’s forum and subsequent survey, it has become evident that a substantial overhaul of the competitive framework within schools is necessary to foster the continued growth and success of netball in NI schools.

We are pleased to report that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. To facilitate the prompt commencement of the netball season, the Schools Working Group (SWG) will diligently refine this new structure during the summer months. However, in order for us to proceed accordingly, we kindly request that for those wishing to participate in the NNI schools’ competitions, it is imperative to complete your affiliation for the upcoming 2023/24 season here:

Secondary-Schools-Affiliation-form-2023-24

Once affiliated, your school will be eligible for the forthcoming season.  You will then receive a link for team entries.

Please note that the following costs will be applicable for the 2023/24 season:

  • School affiliation: £60 per school
  • Individual team entries: £30 per team (this fee covers inclusion in the Cup structure, should you choose to opt in)

To facilitate effective planning and preparation, we kindly request that all relevant information be submitted before the end of the current school term. We understand that this timeline may seem brief, but it was necessary to accommodate the School’s Forum and allow ample time for feedback and necessary adjustments.

By adhering to this timeline, the SWG and our team will be able to diligently work on finalising the new structure over the summer period, ensuring its seamless implementation by the end of August or the beginning of September. This will afford schools a. sufficient timeframe to organise their respective games.

We strongly urge you to complete both the affiliation form and your team entries without delay in order to secure your participation in the NNI schools’ competitions. The deadline for affiliation is Friday, June 30, 2023.

Secondary-Schools-Affiliation-form-2023-24

Furthermore, being affiliated with Netball NI opens the door to exciting participation opportunities. Schools will have the chance to compete in local and regional inter-school tournaments, showcasing their skills and building team camaraderie.

The benefits of netball affiliation extend beyond the confines of the school.  Affiliated schools can benefit from discounted rates with our official partners:

Netball UK

Kukri

J&K Coaches

Galgorm Resort

Kingsbridge Healthcare Group

J Hatty Insurance

Feherty Travel

Willian Wilson Accountants

The deadline for affiliation is Friday, June 30, 2023

Primary School Affiliation Form

Primary School League INFO 2023-2024

Secondary-Schools-Affiliation-form-2023-24

Read the full Independent Performance Review Summary here!

Given the timing in the World Netball major events calendar, Netball NI investment position with Sport NI and changes within the performance staff team, alongside not securing qualification for the World Cup, this was an opportune time to review not only the international competitions but to assess where NI are across the wider performance programme and infrastructure, seeking support to develop practical actions in line with resource and capacity that will best prepare us for moving forward.

Netball NI appointed Mel Mansfield –Former England player 1993-1998, Former Superleague HC, UKCC Level 3 coach, Director of Netball & Senior Lecturer at University of Hertfordshire, to complete the review on our behalf. Mel’s experience in pathway and performance netball programmes, coach mentoring and NSL technical specialist, made her an ideal candidate to provide a strategic and operational oversight of our position and make recommendations to enable progress.

30 + individual consultations were carried out including coaches (u13 club, pathway u13/15/17/21 and EM / Warriors coaches) Netball NI employed staff, club coaches, selectors, board members, performance staff (TM, PA, S&C) Combination of face to face and online. Warriors Player group (17 players) plus individual senior players.

Read the full Independent Performance Review Summary here!

Committed & Enthusiastic Board Member Wanted

NNI Information and Role Description June 23 APPLICATION PACK

In line with Board tenures and following a recent independent performance review that considered the programmes and infrastructure within the performance aspect of our business, Netball NI is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and forward-thinking person with specific skills, experience and knowledge relating to High Performance/Performance Pathway sporting programmes and environments to join its Board.

Netball NI is a limited company with charitable status with the Board supported by a team of fulltime and part time staff.

We are looking for an experienced individual to join the Board with strong critical thinking skills who can apply independent judgement to work effectively with other directors. The successful candidate would be required to help the operational team to implement and drive the recommendations from the performance review, ensuring the improved progression in the performance system.

We are committed to be a sector leading National Governing Body of sport in Northern Ireland and live our values of Respect, Equality, Accountability, Integrity, Professionalism, Remain passionate with a team first approach.

Board members positions are not remunerated but reasonable travel and subsistence expenses may be reimbursed.

Application packs are available via our website and social media platforms or by contacting our Executive Manager: executivemanager@netballni.org or 02890 736320.

The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight Friday 30th June 2023, with interviews taking place in July 2023.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Executive Manager, Karen Rollo.

NNI Information and Role Description June 23 APPLICATION PACK

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: