NATIONAL LEAGUE SEASON PREVIEW: EDINBURGH ACCIES
21st January 2026
A new chapter, the same standards – and a squad ready for the National League challenge.
Edinburgh Accies Netball step into the 2025/26 season with momentum, belief, and a clear identity taking shape under new Head Coach Kerry “Kez” Walsh-Jones. After two finals defeats in 2024/25 by the barest of margins, Accies are determined to turn the lessons of last season into composure and consistency when the margins get tight.
For Walsh-Jones, the early months have been about protecting what makes Accies special – and sharpening it for the demands of National League competition.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to take over such a fantastic club. There is a strong culture already in place – built on high standards, mutual respect, and a real willingness to work hard for one another – and that culture will be crucial as we step into National League competition.”
That culture is already showing on court. Training standards are high, competition for places is fierce, and the squad has found an encouraging balance between experience and emerging talent.
Photo Credit: Malcolm Mackenzie
“We have an excellent balance of talent and experience within the group… The environment is positive, competitive, and ambitious, and there’s some exciting netball on display as we head into the start of the National League season.” Kerry Walsh-Jones – Head Coach.
Continuity, depth, and collective strength
Accies have retained a strong core who understand the club’s expectations, while welcoming new faces who have brought “energy, depth, and healthy competition across the court.” Rather than pointing to one standout, Walsh-Jones is leaning into the idea that Accies’ edge this year will be the squad’s versatility and togetherness.
“If we get the best out of everyone and remain true to our culture and standards, the collective impact of the squad will be something special this season.”
Leadership group set for 2025/26
Accies’ leadership team reflects that same balance of standards and enjoyment:
Beth Weir has been named both Club Captain and head of the 1s. She is ably supported by experienced players in Vice-Captains Jo Pettitt and Heather Marshall.
Weir’s approach is simple: set the tone, compete hard, and keep joy at the centre of performance.
“I try to always lead by example first and foremost, I’m competitive and want to bring the highest standards for my team, but also want to make sure most of all we’re having fun doing it!”
– Beth Weir, Club Captain
Turning last season’s lessons into this season’s edge
With a new coaching structure in place, Accies believe they’ll be better equipped for the pressure moments that decide finals.
“Last season, we ended up having to be player led a lot… I love the structure and framework Kez and Chelsea (Ewing – Assistant Coach) are bringing us this season which I believe will help us in those tight, goal for goal situations.”
– Weir
The fixtures circled in red
Accies aren’t short on motivation – and they know exactly what National League brings.
“There are a number of fixtures we’ve marked on the calendar, particularly against established National League sides. Those games are exciting because they give us a real benchmark – a chance to test ourselves, learn, and see how far we’ve come as a group.”
– Walsh-Jones
Preparation will be detailed and informed – but never at the expense of Accies’ own identity.
“We will analyse opposition players and teams. However, the focus is always on us – gaining clarity in how we collectively find the Accies way together.”
– Walsh-Jones
Bottom line:
Accies enter 2025/26 with a stronger framework, deeper competition for places, and a clear commitment to building the ‘Accies Way’ — ready to turn last year’s disappointing finish into this year’s hard edge.
Accies commence their National League campaign this Sunday January 25 with a clash against Dunedin at Glasgow University Sport from 11.30am.
Tickets for this round and more can be found on Netball Scotland’s Fanbase home page; https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Dashboard?clubId=139
