The Victoria Park regeneration project, led by local netball and sports enthusiast Sarah Gandon, is set to significantly impact the community by transforming existing facilities into a versatile public space. The project focuses on upgrading outdoor courts with improved drainage, making them suitable for year-round use. This development is especially significant for netball enthusiasts, providing a bright and inviting space that encourages more individuals to participate in the sport.

Significance for the Local Community

The transformation of Victoria Park holds immense significance for the local community. Mhairi Patience, National Development Officer at Netball Scotland, explains, “The Victoria Park regeneration project aims to transform the existing courts into a versatile public space offering outdoor netball and basketball courts through installation of rotating posts, along with facilities for various activities such as cycle skills, roller skating, skateboarding, and urban sports. Therefore, it holds immense significance for the local community, particularly for netball enthusiasts.”

The upgraded facilities will vastly improve access to netball, offering a bright and inviting space that encourages more individuals to participate in the sport. Patience adds, “This will create a bright and inviting space for netball, encouraging more individuals to participate in the sport.”

Key Objectives and Importance of Free Access

The primary objective of the project is to provide free-to-use netball courts, eliminating financial barriers and making sports more accessible to all community members. Mhairi Patience highlights, “This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers, making netball more accessible to the community. By offering cost-free access to netball facilities, the project seeks to promote inclusivity, community engagement, and overall physical well-being among individuals of all ages and backgrounds.”

How to Support the Project

The Glasgow Netball Association and Victoria Park Community Trust, along with other partners, are working to raise funds for the project. The enhanced facility will feature versatile spaces for various activities and community events. To find out more about the project and how you can support this initiative, please follow the link here.

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.

Strathclyde Uni vs Edinburgh Uni: A Battle of Resilience and Strategy

In a gripping encounter that had netball fans on the edge of their seats, Strathclyde Uni faced a tough challenge against Edinburgh Uni, with the latter emerging victorious and unbeaten with a score of 55-39. Despite a rocky start and trailing behind in the first quarter, coach Frankie Doyle expressed pride in the team’s ability to claw back into the game, attributing their comeback to strategic impact changes and an added dimension in their through court play. With their eyes still set on the playoffs and key players returning for round 6, Strathclyde Uni remains a team to watch.

Edinburgh University’s coach, Trish Wilcox, praised her team’s execution, stating, “We executed our game plan for 80% of the game.” However, she acknowledged the need for quicker adaptation during momentum swings, a lesson learned from the third-quarter challenge.

Fans can watch the full match and witness the tactical plays from both teams on BBC Sport Scotland’s live stream.

Glasgow Uni’s Dominant Win Over Edinburgh Accies: Precision and Focus

Glasgow Uni’s stunning performance against Edinburgh Accies ended with a decisive 63-44 win, reflecting the team’s dedication to their game plan. Coach Kelly Boyle praised the team’s focus and the players’ confidence on the court,

“We focused on doing our own job for longer and trusted that the score would take of itself.”

The team’s game philosophy, emphasising structure and consistency, proved effective against Edinburgh Accies’ efforts.

On the other side, Edinburgh Accies’ coach Gemma Sole recognised the impact of unforced errors on the game’s outcome. Despite a strong defensive play against Glasgow Uni’s key attackers, it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap in the score.

“Our game plan today was based around addressing their attacking unit, specifically we identified Jazmine Moore as a real threat. To her credit, our wing defence, Heather Marshall, she kept Jazmine quiet today, and I thought she had a really strong game.”

The introduction of new players Heidi Dawson and Rachel Forsyth brought depth to the team, setting a positive tone for future matches.

Saltires vs Dunedin: Commitment and Long-Term Vision

Saltires showcased a commendable spirit against Dunedin, despite a 40-55 loss. Coach Sharyn Lyon highlighted the team’s unwavering commitment and competitive edge throughout the entire match.

“I was really pleased with the total commitment shown today by the girls. The focus for us was to compete for the full 60 minutes, to be loud and never give and they delivered that today.”

Saltires’ resilience and determination were apparent, leaving a strong impression for upcoming games.

Dunedin’s victory was a testament to their preparation and adherence to their game plan. Coach Katy McGregor expressed pride in the team’s performance, emphasising the importance of consistency and depth, especially with injuries affecting the mid-court. With only one game remaining and playoffs out of reach, Dunedin’s focus shifts to local leagues and the Scottish Cup, aiming to solidify their standing in the final placements.

Here is how the league table is shaping up after 5 intense rounds:

For more action-packed netball matches and to follow the journey to the finals, fans can rewatch the excitement of National League Round 5 on BBC Sport Scotland’s live stream.

In an exciting display of grit, growth, and pure talent, Scotland’s U19 netball squad truly made their mark at Europe Netball’s pilot training event in December 2023.

Head Coach Nikki Lloyd took some time to share her thoughts on the squad’s remarkable performance, the comparison to other home nations, and the exciting future that lies ahead.

Performance Beyond Expectations

Lloyd expressed her immense pride in the squad, remarking, “I am incredibly pleased and proud of the squad’s performance and their determination to learn, grow, and implement our strategies and structures on the court throughout the course of the pilot event.” The squad’s ability to execute strategies and their creative attacking play were standout features. Lloyd commended the players for their grit and determination, particularly during intense moments in matches against Wales and two England sides (U17 & U19).

Unity and Connection

Off the court, the squad’s unity is evident. They enjoyed their time together and were united in their drive to achieve and represent Scotland. This cohesion translated seamlessly onto the court, where their synergy was a key asset.

U19 Scotland Squad take group pic in dressing room before taking to court

Impressive Results

The U19 squad showcased their strength by winning five out of seven games during the competition.

Scotland v Isle of Man: 31-12

Scotland v Wales: 23-9

England U19 vs Scotland: 22-18

Scotland v Northern Ireland: 26-18

Scotland vs Gibraltar: 29-9

England U17 v Scotland: 24-20

Scotland v Rep of Ireland: 18-16

The matches took on a different format from the traditional four quarters of 15 mins each and instead tested the players’ endurance in two halves of 24 mins games.
The squad were exposed to different challenges and opportunities to deliver against their goals and objectives while staying true to their values and style of play. Lloyd mentioned that the performance at this competition has set high expectations for the team moving forward.

A Player’s Perspective

Mid-courter, Mira Tallentire, who played primarily as WA (Wing Attack) with some time at C (Center), shared her insights, saying, “It was a great experience, and we learned as a team throughout the competition. We were challenged physically and mentally, which helped us push through and put out great performances. The score-lines against teams like England really showed our strength as a squad and determination.”

Team huddle at half time – Scotland U19 squad at Europe Netball Pilot U19 training event

A Promising Future

Looking ahead, the future is brimming with exciting prospects for these talented athletes. Netball Scotland has ensured a busy and competitive calendar for 2024, with fixtures against some of the same home nations they faced in the pilot event. The squad is determined to use the confidence and momentum gained to deliver outstanding performances.

The opportunity to play at home, earn their first U19 caps, and compete against strong opponents will be significant milestones for these young athletes. Lloyd, alongside a dedicated management team, is eagerly awaiting the challenges that lie ahead.

With a commitment to continuous improvement and learning from the experience gained at the pilot event, the U19 squad is poised for an exceptional year. The upcoming Europe Netball U17 Championships, the World Youth Cup U21 Qualifying event, and the U19 Europe Netball event in 2024 all promise to be critical opportunities for the development of these aspiring netball stars.

As Scotland’s U19 netball squad continues to grow and evolve, their journey is one to watch, filled with promise and determination. The future of netball in Scotland is indeed in capable hands, as these young athletes march confidently towards their goals and dreams.

Erin Bolland’s netball journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment. As the former captain of the U21s and now a member of the Scottish Thistles, Erin shares her insights into her growth and the path that led her to this pivotal point in her career.

U21 Captaincy: Building Confidence

Erin’s role as captain of the U21s had a profound impact on her confidence. She reflects, “I think it’s helped my confidence, having the girls trust me so much to take us through the competition and look to you on court it gives you a different sense of confidence.” It wasn’t just about vocal leadership; it was the knowledge that her teammates trusted her on the court.

The Transition: Finding Confidence

Transitioning from the U21s to Scottish Thistles was a challenge Erin embraced head-on. She shares, “At the Thistles trials I just went in and focused on myself and my on-court performance.” Erin’s growing self-assurance, honed during her U21 journey, played a crucial role.

netball Scotland U21 v Wales U21
Emirates Arena – Glasgow – 14/04/23 .
© Craig Watson

The Resilience Factor: Overcoming Challenges

Erin’s journey wasn’t without its hurdles. She candidly reveals, “I got dropped from everything, I got dropped from institute, I got dropped from the pathways, everything during covid.” However, these setbacks fuelled her determination. Erin’s commitment to her personal development outside of netball strengthened her resolve. She views these challenges as instrumental in making her a stronger, more persevering individual, “Tamsin [Greenway] is the one who made me a stronger person because she didn’t pick me to start but she always said there was a method to her madness and she dropped me which made me like want it more and that was the point of it because I obviously wasn’t showing I wanted it enough.”

Erin Bolland playing against England in Europe Netball U21 Championships

Influential Figures: Mentors and Coaches

Erin attributes her development to several mentors, coaches, and teammates who believed in her along the way. Her first coach, Sally Erskine, played a pivotal role by believing in Erin and pushing her forward., “she just believed in me so much, she’s the one that put me forward for district and things like that, so she had a big influence.”

Erin also acknowledges the contributions of various coaches and teammates, each adding a unique element to her journey, “every single coach has had a different part to play in my journey like Kym Wharton, she used to be my U17 coach and she believed in me, it’s not really one person it’s just every time I’ve progressed another person has added another thing on that’s just developed me.”

Aspirations with the Thistles: Looking Ahead

Looking to the future, Erin has her sights set on significant goals with the Thistles. She envisions competing in major events like the Commonwealth Games and the Netball World Cup. Erin acknowledges that this is the beginning of a new four-year cycle, and she’s committed to continuous improvement, focusing on aspects like fitness and strength. She aims to make her mark in the World Cup qualifiers for U21s, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Erin Bolland’s journey illustrates that resilience, hard work, and self-belief are key ingredients in achieving your goals in the world of netball. She concludes, “It means a lot to me to be selected, I’ve worked really hard to  persevere through all the sort of mental battles and its made me a stronger person so it genuinely does mean a lot to me.”

Erin is also part of Scotstoun Netball Club, Strathclyde University team and Sirens Development Squad. You can catch her in action in National League with Strathclyde Uni 28th Jan as they come up against Dunedin.

1In Round 3 of the National League, the action was nothing short of thrilling, with standout performances and hard-fought battles. Here’s a recap of the matches and some insights from the victorious teams.

Game 1: Edinburgh Uni vs. Dunedin

In front of their home crowd, Edinburgh Uni continued their dominant campaign this season with another confident win. They showcased their prowess on the court, leaving no room for doubt about their championship aspirations. On the other hand, Dunedin is still in pursuit of their first win this season after facing losses to Bellahouston and Edinburgh Accies.

Emily Nicholl, Edinburgh Uni: “We’ve had a really strong first half of the national league. What has impressed me most about this group is the strength in depth that the uni have created. We are able to rotate players in and out without dropping a beat. They are all fighting to get into that starting 7 so they know they have to make every minute count.”

Game 2: Strathclyde Uni vs. Glasgow Uni

The Varsity clash between Strathclyde Uni and Glasgow Uni had fans on the edge of their seats. While Strathclyde Uni seemed to have the game sealed by the end of the third quarter, old rivalries ignited a fierce comeback from Glasgow. In the final minutes, Glasgow fought back to within two goals, making it a nail-biting finish. However, Strathclyde Uni held their ground and secured the win.

Cerys Finn, Strathclyde Uni: “Going into that final quater we had a lot of confidence and where aiming just to push on, credits to Glasgow they came back fighting, but we really wanted to win. It had been a very hard game which required the full 60 minutes of work and I think we managed to get over the line in the end because of our mindset, we really wanted to reward all the hard work from everyone, also the little rivalry really fuelled us all.”

Game 3: Bellahouston vs. Edinburgh Accies

In the final match of Round 3, Bellahouston faced off against Edinburgh Accies, reviving memories of their grudge match from the previous season. Bellahouston showed their mettle, delivering a commanding performance and securing victory.

Hannah Grant, Bellahouston: “Our team talk focussed around having confidence and trusting each other, giving the driving ball and trusting our shooters will get on the end of feeds. Our half time changes gave the opposition something different to think about and prevented our play becoming too predictable. This allowed us to go back out on court with the belief we could push out our lead, which we did in the end!”

Final Results:

– Edinburgh Uni 56 vs. Dunedin 24
– Strathclyde Uni 41 vs. Glasgow Uni 36
– Bellahouston 61 vs. Edinburgh Accies 42

The National League continues to captivate fans with its intense competition and exceptional talent. Round 4 looks set to be a huge day as top 2 teams fight it out for top of the table and a good old-fashioned Glasgow Derby kicks us off.

National league table with Edinburgh Uni sitting at top of the table followed closely by Bellahouston in second place on goal difference

Save the Date: Next Round of National League on January 28, 2024, at Glasgow Uni! Tickets on Sale Now!

Mark your calendars and get ready for another exhilarating round of the National League! On January 28, 2024, the action moves to Glasgow Uni, promising a day filled with top-notch netball competition that you won’t want to miss.

Get Your Tickets Now!