Unlocking the Joy of Netball for Dundee’s Young Girls: Tayside Jets Leading the Way

Dundee is witnessing a game-changing initiative for its young girls with the rise of Tayside Jets Junior Netball Club. This vibrant club is not just about netball; it’s about instilling confidence and unleashing potential. Let’s delve into why Tayside Jets is becoming the go-to hub for aspiring netball stars in Dundee.

Bringing Netball Closer to Home

Tayside Jets was born out of a simple realisation – there was a lack of opportunities for girls to embrace netball in Dundee. The demand was there, but the avenue was missing. As one of the club members put it, “Tayside Jets gives us a chance to play the sport we love right here at home.”

Tayside Jets was one of 10 netball clubs in Scotland that successfully applied for funding from the Junior Development Fund, supported by Johnston Carmichael.

Junior club members playing netball

More Than a Sport

While the focus is on mastering the game, Tayside Jets is equally passionate about personal growth. In their words, “We’re not just learning netball; we’re learning life skills. Teamwork, discipline, and confidence – these are skills we can use beyond the court.”

A Thriving Community

Tayside Jets’ weekly training sessions, led by experienced coaches, are all about skill-building and practical application. But it’s not just about drills and practice matches. The club emphasises building a strong sense of community and fostering friendships. As one member put it, “We’re more than teammates; we’re like family.”

Girls playing netball games after training

The Road Ahead

Tayside Jet’s vision for junior netball in Dundee goes beyond the present. The club is determined to provide even more opportunities for its players. “We want to organise holiday camps and help our athletes reach their goals, like representing their district,” says one club representative.

In a world where girls need spaces to thrive and grow, Tayside Jets is proving that sports can be the answer. It’s about discovering the joy of netball, developing essential life skills, and finding a second family on the court. Tayside Jets Junior Netball Club is lighting up the path for Dundee’s young girls, setting an example for clubs far and wide. Come and be part of this extraordinary journey!

To find out more information about the club contact Eva Innes – taysidejets@outlook.com

Netball Scotland is thrilled to unveil the Scottish Thistles’ long squad for the upcoming 2023/2024 season, following an intense selection process. The trials, held earlier this month under the guidance of former Head Coach Tamsin Greenway, were the most fiercely competitive to date.

The Scottish Thistles and Scotland A Squads for 2023/2024 are as follows:

Scottish Thistles:

– Emma Barrie

– Cerys Cairns

– Bethan Goodwin

– Niamh McCall

– Emma Love

– Jazmine Moore

– Kelly Boyle

– Hannah Leighton

– Iona Christian

– Sarah MacPhail

– Erin Bolland

– Hannah Grant

– Emily Nicholl

– Rachel Conway

– Cerys Finn

– Anna Fairclough

Scotland A:

– Charlotte Dunkley

– Zara Flett

– Lucy Gaw

– Mia Mathewson

– Gill Thomson

– Alice McGeachy

– Felicity Rome

Netball Scotland’s Performance Director, Karen Atkinson expressed excitement, saying, “The strength and depth within Scottish netball has never been better, which made this the most competitive selection process to date.”

Over the past year, the growth in talent coming through the Scottish pathway has been inspiring as many athletes have stepped up and delivered on the international stage.

“We have made significant changes to our pathway set-up, enhancing the development of the athletes through quality training and competition opportunities.  This is now having a positive effect with athletes being able to challenge for places and step up to Senior level.” Atkinson adds.

“It is exciting to see Erin [Bolland], Jazmine [Moore], and Anna [Fairclough] make the step up to the Thistles squad following impressive displays at U21 level, along with Cerys Finn, Cerys Cairns and Hannah Grant who all featured at the Netball World Cup and have shown consistent performances when called into the Thistles squad.”

“The athletes that have returned from the World Cup are hungrier than ever to make progress on the world stage. The entire squad is still very young, with multiple cycles ahead of them, and we can’t wait to see their development over the next few years.”

“It is also first-time call ups into the senior environment for Lucy Gaw, Charlotte Dunkley, Zara Flett and Felicity Rome having been named in the Scotland A squad.  All four have shown the potential at age-group level to become a future Thistle.” Atkinson adds.”

Late Trials

Chloe Carchrie and Kaitlin Lawrence will have the opportunity to trial following their current rehab and return to training plans.

Future Thistles

In light of Head Coach Tamsin Greenway’s departure last month, Netball Scotland will be actively searching for a new Head Coach, with recruitment expected in early 2024.

Netball Scotland is excited to announce the appointment of Ken Hay as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective from 27th November, for a one-year term.

Ken Hay is an experienced leader with a rich and varied career leading people, organisations and sectors through challenge and change. His expertise is particularly pertinent as Netball Scotland aims to forge a strong path forward in a rapidly evolving sports environment.

“Ken brings exactly the kind of strategic vision and operational excellence that Netball Scotland requires at this pivotal moment,” said Lucy Faulkner, Chair of Netball Scotland. “His leadership is set to propel us towards achieving our ambitious objectives and enhancing our impact both on and off the court.”

In response to his appointment, Ken Hay remarked, “I am honoured to take on the role of Interim CEO at Netball Scotland. I am passionate about sport and the transformative impact it has for individuals and communities across the country. It’s a time of great potential for netball as a sport and this organisation, and I look forward to applying my experience in strategic development and change management in driving forward our mission.”

Ken brings a wealth of experience, consistently demonstrating his ability to drive strategic development, business growth, and operational excellence. His previous leadership roles include leading the turnaround of Edinburgh International Film Festival and Filmhouse Cinemas up to the onset of the pandemic, Accountable Officer of Scottish Screen managing the transition to the establishment of Creative Scotland in 2010, and chairing sector bodies, Festivals Edinburgh and Culture Counts.

With his strong commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI), fair work, and environmental sustainability, Ken’s values deeply resonate with the ethos of Netball Scotland.

Lucy Faulkner further commented, “Ken’s entrepreneurial approach and proven track record in leadership are what Netball Scotland needs to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. We are thrilled to have him on board.”

Netball Scotland is enthusiastic about the direction Ken will provide as the organisation continues to champion the growth of netball and its community throughout Scotland and convert its strategy ‘D27: Closing the Gap’ into reality.”

For more information about Netball Scotland and Ken Hay’s role as Interim CEO, please contact:

Karen, Dunn, Interim Operations and Finance Director Karen.dunn@netballscotland.com

About Netball Scotland:

Netball Scotland is the national governing body for netball in Scotland, dedicated to enhancing participation at all levels and championing the growth of the sport. For more information, visit www.netballscotland.com.

A Path to Success

Netball owes much of its growth and sustainability to the dedicated coaches who selflessly contribute their time and expertise to nurture talent and foster a love for the game. Recognising the vital role of coaches in Scottish Netball and the impact they have in the growth of the game is key.

In recent times, Netball Scotland has taken a significant stride towards fortifying its coaching workforce by introducing two vital coaching qualifications recognised by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). These qualifications, the Introduction to Coaching Award and the Community Coach Award, are changing the landscape of Scottish Netball coaching and promising a brighter future for the sport.

Coaching Pathway in Scottish Netball

Introduction to Coaching Award:
– Gateway for aspiring coaches.
– Provides foundational skills and knowledge.
– Enables coaching under supervision.
– Focuses on identifying participant needs.
– Emphasises safe coaching environments.
– Includes session planning and reflective practice.
– Empowers coaches to define motivations and aspirations.

Community Coach Award:
– Next level in the coaching pathway.
– Targeted at community club leaders.
– Equips learners for independent coaching.
– Emphasis on planning, delivery, and review.
– Minimised need for supervision.
– Highlights effective coaching practices.
– Promotes self-awareness and understanding of others.
– Builds confidence and competence for lead coaching roles.

Growing the Coaching Workforce

Since the launch of these coaching courses in September, an impressive 69 coaches have become newly qualified, breathing fresh life into Scottish Netball. These coaches are the linchpin of the sport’s development and are instrumental in expanding both the opportunities to play netball and the overall quality of the sport in Scotland.

Lesley MacDonald, Strathclyde Sirens Head Coach and Head of Performance Programmes, aptly highlights the pivotal role of coaches in Scottish Netball, stating, “Growing the coaching workforce is not just about expanding the sport; it’s about directly impacting the quality of netball that emerges through the pathways in Scotland.” Her words echo the sentiment that coaches are not merely educators; they are the architects of future champions, shaping the trajectory of aspiring netball players and ultimately the sport itself.

Coaches are the lifeblood of netball in Scotland. The Introduction to Coaching Award and the Community Coach Award represent significant strides in strengthening the coaching workforce, ensuring that netball continues to thrive and evolve. With the growing number of newly qualified coaches and the unwavering commitment of mentors like Lesley MacDonald, Scottish Netball is poised for a bright future where talent is nurtured, and excellence is celebrated. These coaches are not just teaching the game; they are shaping the future of netball in Scotland, one player at a time.

Jazmine Moore emphasises the importance of diversity in netball.
When you think of the future of netball, Jazmine Moore stands out as not only an inspiring player but also as an ambassador for inclusivity and diversity in the sport.

Jazmine Moore awarded Player of the Tournament at Europe Netball Championships earlier this month

Recently crowned as the Player of the Tournament at the U21 Europe Netball Championships, Moore shares her insights on the importance of representation and the path towards a more inclusive netball community.

The Power of Representation:

Moore speaks with a candidness that is both refreshing and insightful, emphasising the importance of visibility in inspiring the next generation.
“Representation is everything,” she starts, “and visibility is key to inspire young black and minority players.”

Moore’s roots trace back to Jamaica, and it’s clear that the successes of Jamaican netball teams had a profound impact on her. “If I hadn’t seen the success of the Sunshine Girls when I was younger, I probably would not have continued to play netball or strived to play at this level.

Seeing that people like me can exist in a predominantly white space and succeed was massive. I hope to inspire young black players in the same way.”

Netball: A Unifying Sport:

The mid-courter is quick to highlight the unifying nature of sports, where talent knows no colour.

“Sport has the capacity to open doors for people regardless of ethnicity; talent is 100% indifferent to race,” she comments.

She lauds the inclusion of international athletes in the Strathclyde Sirens for adding visibility and being crucial for the sport’s expansion.

Moore competing in the National League for Glasgow University

A Diverse Future for Netball:

With hopes of a more inclusive environment, Moore suggests continuous encouragement from diverse backgrounds. “[Increased funding and wider outreach](#relevant-outbound-link) can make netball in Scotland even more diverse,” she predicts.

Moore’s Personal Journey:

On a personal note, Moore reflects on her journey, underscoring the unity and diversity she’s experienced. “Growing up, it was always me and one of my close friends playing district and club together up until U17s,” she reminisces. Today, she takes pride in playing alongside talented teammates like Alice McGeachy, Ihinosen Ibhanesebhor, and Savannah Antoine, who she feels embody black excellence.

Moore running onto court as part of U21 Scotland squad with Alice McGeachy

Jazmine Moore’s story is a testament to the power of representation and the role models in our lives. As the conversations about inclusivity in sports continue, it is evident that individuals like Moore are leading the charge towards a more diverse and inclusive netball community.

Netball Scotland is ready to change the game with Recreational Netball. Say goodbye to competition stress and hello to a community that welcomes everyone with open arms.

RecNet: Your Netball Haven

RecNet is designed for anyone, whether you’re a newbie, a comeback player, or new to Scotland and eager to join the netball journey. It’s the place where fitness meets fun and where new skills are honed.

Fitness and Friendship in One Game

RecNet isn’t just about playing; it’s about enjoying the sport and connecting with like-minded people. You can test your skills in friendly games and drills while also boosting your mental health through teamwork.

Join the Fun

RecNet offers a chance to put your skills to the test in festivals, leagues, and friendly matches. Whether you want to showcase your talent or simply play without commitment, RecNet has a spot for you.

A Sport That Builds Connections

Netball is more than just a sport; it’s a way to create friendships, foster camaraderie, and strengthen communities.

Calling All Clubs and Returnees

To existing clubs, RecNet is an opportunity to grow your community and diversify your team. For those who’ve taken a break from netball, it’s a path back to the game you love.

The Power of Netball

Netball offers not only physical fitness but also mental strength. It’s a game that sharpens your mind, decision-making skills, and focus while providing a supportive community.

Welcome to a world where netball is more than a game; it’s a community. Embrace #RecNet. Follow us on social media to find YOUR club!

Don’t know where to start? Get in touch with our development team who can help you start a team in your area. If you are a club looking to include a Recreational team to your club, get in touch with our development team at correen.davies@netballscotland.com.