Savannah Antoine: Representation in Netball Scotland Today
23rd February 2023
Savannah Antione finishes training with Sirens Development Squad late Thursday night and sits down with us to talk about how black players are under-represented in Netball across Scotland.
“It is something that I notice, and it has been something that I picked up on from a young age.”
“I do feel like we aren’t represented enough because of lack of education for ethnic backgrounds and ethnic minorities, do they know that they are eligible to play at this level?”
These are the questions we discuss after a physically demanding court session.
“I feel like it’s really about the education of it all because I remember when I was round about the age of 15 when I started coming through the national pathway, I didn’t know that I was allowed to play for Scotland because I wasn’t born here or because I’m a different colour it’s not something that I was aware of, I just sort of went with the flow.”
“At that point in my career I wasn’t thinking to myself that long term I was going to play for Scotland because I didn’t know that that was an option for me. I don’t know if that is maybe a lack of education for those younger groups to say here is some role models and examples of people who have done it before, you could be just like them.”
Antoine moved to Scotland at the age of 4.
“I was playing netball from the age of 10 at school and then I played with Clyde Netball Club, that was my first club and then I went through pathways. I was picked up into the Scotland under 17’s national squad and under 21’s. I remember my first cap was actually for under 21’s at the age of 15 rather than under 17’s it was just one of those ones, maybe I just wasn’t the right fit for that squad at the time but yeah you just don’t know really.”
Looking at other role models in the pathways, there is still a lack of diversity. The importance of sport in women and girls is undeniable but how can you ‘be it’ if you can’t ‘see it’?
“There wasn’t any [black players] when I started in the pathways, I was the only one and there has been years where I have been the only one. I remember when Jaz Moore came up that was quite comforting knowing there was another person as well.”
“Being in Sirens development and the Sirens set up over the past couple of years and having the imports come over has been really good I feel as though it changes the style of play as well and allows us to adapt and develop as a group. I feel like it’s really important to have a diverse group at all times and is making our performance better.”
Reaching young girls at school age and showing the pathway and opportunities open to them is important and big initiative for Netball Scotland.
“It’s just about getting everyone started early and being represented from a young age. If they’re playing in school you can continue getting them into clubs early on and if they’re not playing already that’s when it becomes an issue. If there’s only a select few that are starting and are playing with clubs and if it’s only a small minority that then progress then they are going to be under-represented.”
Speaking on the development strategy, Carol Harvey, Director of Development adds; “Our ambition is to have every school affiliated and continue to educate and grow netball in schools throughout Scotland.”
Reflecting on what it means to see representation on court for young girls, Antoine says;
” I think it would be really inspiring, it would be nice to have a role model that you can look at and think I can be exactly like them, it doesn’t matter about skin colour. It is really important to talk about our journey to other players to help them understand this is where I started, I also felt like this at one point, it’s just about being honest with everyone about it.”
Sport can be a powerful driver for change and a great equalizer. Having those experiences at a young age can have a positive and lasting impact that spills over into other areas of life;
“Yeah, I feel like it does have a positive effect on my confidence, and I think that if I wasn’t playing sport, I wouldn’t be the same person really.”
“I’ve always sort of felt that it’s been equal to be honest, from my club coach and then coming through the national set up it’s been really supportive and fair. I feel like it’s really important for everyone to be heard in any environment they are in. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with other athletes from the U.K as well who are in similar situations so it’s really comforting to know that it’s not just you who experiences that at some point in your journey and just know you can push on and succeed.”
For more information on how to get your school affiliated or to arrange a player appearance to talk to your school please contact ross.hutton@netballscotland.com for more information
