Netball Scotland is proud to start Women and Girls in Sport Week 2025 with the announcement of a landmark partnership with the University of Strathclyde, the University of Edinburgh and sportscotland Institute of Sport, creating two Netball Scotland High Performance Centres at the heart of Scotland’s academic and sporting landscape. This ambitious move represents a significant stride forward for the sport, underlining Netball Scotland’s ongoing commitment to nurturing elite athletes, expanding opportunities for women and girls in sport, and reinforcing Scotland’s position on the international stage.

With netball as the only main team sport in next year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games, followed by the Netball World Cup in Sydney in 2027, the time is right to invest in a structure that complements World Netball’s objective of world-class international netball, played more often. Netball Scotland is delighted to announce this partnership during Women and Girls in Sport Week, with current Scottish Thistles and age-grade athletes including Lexi Gillies and Felicity Rome among those benefitting from these new Centres.

Kath Tetley, Netball Scotland’s Performance Director and Scottish Thistles Head Coach, said: “The establishment of the High Performance Centres marks a new era for Scottish netball. We are delighted to be working with these world-class institutions to give Scotland’s elite level netballers the highest quality training environment, supporting them to reach their full potential.”

Neil Brown, Director of Sport and Active Health, University of Strathclyde, said: “We are proud that the University of Strathclyde has been recognised as one of Netball Scotland’s new High Performance Centres. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting women and girls in sport, developing high-performance environments, and helping athletes reach their full potential on the international stage. With world-class facilities and expertise across sports science, strength and conditioning, and performance lifestyle, we look forward to working closely with Netball Scotland and the University of Edinburgh to provide the best possible platform for Scotland’s netballers to succeed.”

Mark Munro, Director of Sport and Active Health, University of Edinburgh, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see this partnership come to fruition after several months of collaborative planning. The creation of a High Performance Centre here at the University of Edinburgh will provide Scotland’s netballers with world-class facilities, coaching expertise, and support. My sincere thanks go to Netball Scotland, along with my colleagues at the University of Strathclyde, for their vision and commitment. Together, we are helping to strengthen the pathway for elite netball in Scotland and ensuring our athletes have the very best opportunities to excel on the international stage.”

Craig Burn, Director of Sport, sportscotland, said: “This new partnership is a great example of how working together across the sporting sector can deliver more and better opportunities for participation and progression in sport.

Netball Scotland University partnership announcement 02/10/25
Photo ©Craig Watson
www.craigwatson.co.uk

“We will continue to support Netball Scotland as it strengthens its performance pathway and look forward to seeing the impact of this partnership with Strathclyde University and University of Edinburgh as the sport builds towards Glasgow 2026 and beyond.”

Netball Scotland High Performance Centres
High Performance Centres will strengthen the pathway for talented netball players through access to the highest quality training and playing environments. Led by Head Coaches Trish Wilcox and Rachel Cremin athletes will benefit from strength and conditioning support, nutritional advice, training and competitive matches including Netball Scotland’s National League.

Performance Sport Scholarships at University of Strathclyde for 26/27 are now open. Apply here.

About Netball Scotland
Netball Scotland is the national governing body responsible for promoting and developing the sport of netball across the country. From grassroots to elite level, Netball Scotland is dedicated to creating opportunities for participation, fostering excellence, and inspiring a love of the game in people of all ages and backgrounds.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Zoe Paige, Director of Revenue and Engagement, Netball Scotland
Email: zoe.paige@netballscotland.com

Gillian Leslie has become a familiar name in Scottish netball for her impressive journey as an umpire. Her story is about passion, hard work, and the joy of staying involved in the game she loves. Earlier this year, on February 5, 2024, Gillian’s dedication and talent were formally recognised when World Netball awarded her International Talent Identified Umpire (ITID) status—a significant milestone in her umpiring career.

From Player to Umpire

Gillian’s love for netball was always strong, but umpiring wasn’t something she initially considered. “I always loved netball, shockingly enough!” she says with a smile. But life brought her to a point where she wanted a new challenge. “I wanted to stay in netball but wanted to take some ‘stress’ out of it at that time of my life. Umpiring seemed the way to go…”

Her journey into umpiring began when she was looking for a different perspective on the game. She found that umpiring offered not only a fresh challenge but also a way to continue enjoying netball without the same pressures she had experienced as a player. With the support of her mentor, Arlene Sinclair, who saw potential in her, Gillian quickly moved through the ranks. “With her support, belief, and a lot of hard work, I moved from my C to A within two years,” she shares. This rapid progression laid the foundation for her future success in umpiring.

Memorable Moments on the Court

Throughout her umpiring career, Gillian has had many rewarding experiences that fuelled her love for the role. One of the earliest and most memorable moments was when she was asked to be a ‘super sub’ at a U17s tournament in Malta. “To have someone believe in your ability so much to nominate you for that level is amazing,” she recalls. “Umpiring in front of a crowd, on TV, and meeting officials from other countries for the first time was amazing!” This experience not only validated her skills but also sparked a deeper passion for umpiring at higher levels.

Another highlight for Gillian was her involvement in significant events like the Commonwealth Games warm-up in Glasgow and her first game as a Grade A umpire. Each of these moments, she says, was special and motivating, pushing her to strive for even greater achievements. “There have been so many rewarding moments, all special,” she reflects. “From my first GNA game to achieving my ITID status, each one has contributed to my journey.”

The Power of Support

Gillian’s journey wasn’t always smooth, and she faced her share of challenges. She credits much of her success to the encouragement and guidance of key figures in her life, including her mentor Anne Abriatis, who played a crucial role in her development as an umpire. “My poor long-suffering mentor Anne Abriatis adds to my motivation to be the best, even when I don’t believe in my ability. Most of the time, she has no idea how much she helps!” Gillian says. “However, we are a small bunch, us umpires, and I am really lucky to have the best support from them.”

Her network extended beyond her mentor to include her family, especially her husband, and friends, who provided the emotional and logistical support she needed to balance her umpiring career with her other responsibilities. “Without this support network, I wouldn’t have been able to commit or be motivated to get to this level in my umpiring career,” she emphasises.

Balancing Act

Balancing umpiring with life’s other demands isn’t easy, but Gillian manages with careful planning and organisation. “Organisation, organisation, organisation!” she stresses. As a lecturer at Glasgow Clyde College, her schedule is packed with teaching duties, marking, and preparation. “Not a minute of my week doesn’t have some sort of commitment to it,” she explains.

Gillian’s success in netball umpiring is not just a result of skill and experience, but also of immense mental determination. Navigating the challenges that come with advancing to the highest levels of the sport requires a resilient mindset. “There were a lot of crying, talking it out with the nearest and dearest, soul searching… but I am quite a determined person,” she shares. It’s this inner drive, coupled with her ability to push through tough moments, that has enabled her to achieve such remarkable success. Gillian’s journey is a powerful reminder that mental strength and perseverance are just as crucial as physical ability in reaching the top.

Looking Forward

As she looks to the future, Gillian hopes that more people get involved in umpiring. “Ideally, there will be more people confident to get involved in umpiring,” she says. She encourages those considering this path to keep working on their skills and knowledge. “Never expect anything and always work hard when you think no one is watching. It’s amazing what will come to you!”

Gillian Leslie’s journey in netball umpiring, crowned by her recent ITID status awarded by World Netball, is a testament to what can be achieved with passion, determination, and the right support. Her story shows that umpiring can be a deeply rewarding way to stay connected to the sport you love. If you’ve ever thought about picking up the whistle, Gillian’s journey might just be the inspiration you need.

Our Teams Had a Braw Time at the RecNet Festival Last Month!

Thanks to our fantastic sponsor, Braw Bar, players stayed fuelled and energised throughout the weekend.

Day 1 Highlights:

Peffermill Playing Courts buzzed with excitement as 12 teams came together for a full day of RecNet action.

• Porty Belles – Edinburgh
• Williamwood Warriors
• Supernovas – Perth & Kinross
• EDNC (East Dunbartonshire Netball Club)
• Seven Lochs – North Lanarkshire
• The Jets – Dunblane
• Mac Netball – South Ayrshire
• Levenmouth Thunder – East Fife
• Winchburgh Warriors – West Lothain
• High Hoops – Edinburgh
• RecNet Dundee – Dundee
• Ignite – Falkirk

The games were not just fun but mixed with the perfect amount of competitive spice! Orchestrated by Correen Davies and supported by a team of volunteers, the festival was both lively and well-organised.

Alongside great netball, participants enjoyed local treats like pizza, courtesy of Outta Space Pizza and coffee from Ramm’s Roast, plus much-needed sports massages from A Star Fitness.

Correen Davies Reflects:

” This year’s turnout and energy were incredible. Seeing new faces and returning players alike embrace the festival with such enthusiasm was fantastic, it’s a joy to watch everyone come together under the banner of sport.”

Day 2 Breakdown:

The momentum continued with Sunday’s men’s and mixed netball competition.

• • • • Caledonian Condors
      • Stewarty
  • • • Kirkcaldly Lions
      • Kirkcaldly Wildcats
      • Komets Red
      • Komets Black

  Six teams participated showcasing the fast-growing interest in netball among men and boys in Scotland. This day highlighted dynamic plays and showcased the expanding inclusivity of the sport.

  

  

• Stay Engaged:

  Keep the momentum going! Renew your membership to stay in the loop for more events like this.

Netball Scotland is thrilled to announce the continuation of the Junior Club Development Fund for the 2024-25 season, made possible through our valued partnership with Johnston Carmichael. This fund provides essential financial support to affiliated Junior Netball Clubs, allowing them to access up to £500 for critical needs related to participation, accessibility, training, and competition.

Partnership with Johnston Carmichael

The Junior Club Development Fund is a testament to the strategic partnership between Netball Scotland and Johnston Carmichael, Scotland’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. This collaboration aims to foster the growth and development of netball across the nation, ensuring a sustainable future for the sport.

Quote from Martin Osler, Chief People Officer, Johnston Carmichael:

“We are pleased to support Netball Scotland in its mission to nurture talent and promote inclusivity within the sport. Our commitment to leaving a positive legacy for our people, our clients and the communities in which we work aligns perfectly with the objectives of this fund. We believe strongly in the importance of young girls and women having access to opportunities to play sport and benefit from the health, wellbeing, and life experiences this offers. We believe the Club Development Fund will make a significant difference to junior netball clubs across Scotland.”

Quote from Carol Harvey, Director of Development at Netball Scotland:

“This fund is a lifeline for many junior clubs, providing them with the resources they need to thrive. The generosity of Johnston Carmichael enables us to support the critical needs of our clubs, ensuring they can continue to develop and compete at all levels.”

What Can the Fund Be Used For?

The Junior Club Development Fund can be used to cover a variety of critical needs, including but not limited to:

• Coaching: CPD opportunities to ensure succession planning and up-skilling.
• Volunteer Training: Developing the club volunteer base through training for new and existing volunteers.
• Access to Competition: Financial assistance with travel expenses for away competitions.
• Local/Community Provision: Taster sessions to attract new participants/members.
• Additional Equipment: Enabling expansion or safer delivery of activities.
• Emergency Facility Hire: Covering emergency costs for clubs in financial difficulty.
• Mental Health Awareness Training
• Safeguarding Training

For a comprehensive list of eligible and ineligible costs, please refer to the [Junior Club Development Fund – (See Below)

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Junior Club Development Fund, clubs must meet the following criteria:

• Be affiliated to Netball Scotland.
• Work towards or have completed the Thistle Mark Standard credential.
• Be a recognised junior club under Netball Scotland.
• Provide evidence supporting their critical need for financial assistance.
• Implement the project within 6 months of receiving funding.
• Provide detailed information on the impact of the funding on members and the community.

How to Apply

Applying for the Junior Club Development Fund is straightforward. Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your club meets the eligibility criteria.
2. Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary evidence to support your application.
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form.
4. Submit Your Application: Make sure to submit the form by June 28th, 2024.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact Katelyn Williamson at Katelyn.Williamson@netballscotland.com or Carol Harvey at Carol.Harvey@netballscotland.com

Applications close on June 28th, 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure vital funding for your junior netball club!

Junior Club Development Fund – Criteria

Provides emergency support fund for affiliated Junior Netball Clubs to access £500 to assist with critical needs linked to participation, accessibility, training, and competition.

This has been made possible by a partnership with Johnston Carmichael, Scotland’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors (www.johnstoncarmichael.com). _________________________________________________________________________________

Provided your project meets the programme aims, we can cover various areas relevant to critical need.  However, your project should add value to existing services or provision – we won’t fund costs already being incurred.

Projects should consider the financial situation of the club before applying (healthy financial situation = won’t receive funding)

Funding awarded should build on the strengths and assets already in place.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Below are some examples of what can be funded:

Coaching

Providing CPD opportunities to ensure succession planning, up-skilling people to lead in coaching roles.

Volunteer training

Develop the club volunteer base through offering training to both new and existing volunteers.

Access to competition

Financial assistance with expenses for travel to participate in away competition.

Local/community provision

Providing taster sessions within the local community to attract new participants/members.

Additional equipment

To enable expansion of activity or safer delivery of activity.

Emergency facility hire.

To cover emergency costs for clubs in financial difficulty.

Mental Health Awareness Training

Safeguarding Training

What we won’t fund

• Clubs that are financially secure
• General running costs or existing costs of your club (e.g. utility bills, staffing etc.)
• Existing activity
• Replacement of equipment provided by fund/ gifted through fund if damaged.
• Costs associated in submitting the application, (E.G paying someone to write your application for you)
• Costs benefitting an individual (E.G membership fees)
• Costs that aren’t a direct responsibility of the applicant to cover (for example, costs associated with a facility not owned/leased by the applicant)
• VAT you can recover.
• Projects where coaches or the applicant organisation is not affiliated to Netball Scotland.

In an edge-of-your-seat National League final, Edinburgh Uni narrowly defeated Strathclyde Uni 45-44, securing their championship in a nail-biting showdown that had fans gripping their seats until the final whistle.

Intense Defence and Missed Opportunities

The game kicked off with high intensity, with both teams demonstrating why they were this year’s finalists. Claire Maxwell, Assistant Coach for Edinburgh Uni, noted at halftime the team’s defensive prowess, “We won lots of ball… it’s now about converting those turnovers. We’ve thrown a few of them away, so reducing our errors in that final feed is crucial.”

© Craig Watson

Strathclyde’s Captain, Lucy Holmes, reflected on their early momentum, “We wanted to play with intensity and consistency… we have to lift a little bit, be composed with the ball and with those momentum shifts.”

 © Craig Watson

A Nail-Biter Finish

As the match progressed, the intensity only heightened, with both team’s neck-and-neck. Trish Wilcox, Head Coach of Edinburgh Uni, described the final minutes, “I held my breath for the last three minutes.”

“It was such an intense game, those are the games you want to play in, so I am so proud. Going undefeated for their entire season is such hard work and it just shows the commitment that they have.” She added.

© Craig Watson

Wilcox also praised the influence of Claire Maxwell, highlighting the strategic changes, ” “She has been so great at sharing her knowledge with our young players and I thought both of them – Jess Mitchell and Duki Sonuga– were able to change the momentum of the game.”

A Proud Yet Heartfelt Loss

On the other side, Frankie Doyle, Strathclyde’s Head Coach, acknowledged the vital role of the crowd, “The crowd were everything today; they became an extra player on the court.” Despite the loss, Doyle expressed immense pride in his team’s journey, “It’s disappointing to lose today but I couldn’t be prouder of how they performed.”

 © Craig Watson

Celebration and Looking Ahead

The emotional and physical toll of such a tightly contested match was evident, and the pride in both teams’ efforts was clear. Claire Maxwell summed up the experience, “The game was physical, dynamic, fast-paced and those games are a credit to our sport. Thank you to the crowd for coming out and supporting our own league – the National League.”

© Craig Watson

As Edinburgh Uni celebrates this significant win, they look forward to carrying this momentum into the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday, buoyed by a season of undefeated play and a deep commitment to the sport.

Fans who missed the live action can relive this spectacular match on BBC iPlayer. With such a close score and high stakes, this final is one for the history books of Scottish netball.

The Ultimate Test for Edinburgh Uni

As we gear up for the final round of the National League’s regular season, the tension couldn’t be higher. Edinburgh Uni, leading the pack and undefeated this season, faces Edinburgh Accies in a pivotal clash this 28th April. A victory for Edinburgh Uni will secure their undisputed top spot and a direct ticket to the final.

However, if Edinburgh Accies can pull off an upset, they not only thwart their city rivals’ perfect record but also climb into 3rd place, ensuring a playoff berth.

Bellahouston’s Bid for the Final

Currently in 2nd, Bellahouston is another team with a lot on the line. A win in this round guarantees them a playoff spot. But that’s not all – if Edinburgh Uni slips up, Bellahouston could leapfrog into first place, earning a straight pass to the grand final on 9th June.

Strathclyde’s Playoff Hopes

Defending champions Strathclyde Uni are not out of the fight yet. They take on the Saltires, who are at the bottom of the table, in a must-win game. A victory ensures Strathclyde remains in the top three, securing a chance to defend their title in the playoffs scheduled for 5th May.

Catch All the Action Live or In Person

With everything still to play for, the final round of the National League promises intense battles and dramatic outcomes. Join us live on BBC or be there in person to witness every thrilling moment.

This is netball at its finest. Don’t miss out on the action that sets the stage for the playoffs and ultimately, the grand finale.