Claire Nelson will be leaving her role as CEO of both Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens Netball Super League Club at the end of May to take on the newly created position of Netball Super League Managing Director where she will lead the professionalisation of the sport in the UK.

Claire joined Netball Scotland in October 2015 after having previously held a position as a non-executive Director on the Board. She came in with a huge passion for the sport and a clear vision for what she wanted to achieve and has been on a mission to take netball in Scotland to new levels ever since. Now an award-winning and globally recognized National Governing Body, Netball Scotland has been ground-breaking in its approach to challenging the gender equity gap on and off the court through participation, performance and profile, and with Sirens they have created one of the most engaging, game-changing and innovative women’s sports brands today.

On leaving her post Claire said: “Making the decision to leave Netball Scotland and Sirens has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do because leading this sport and organisation has been so much more than just a job for me. It has wholly and unequivocally been a labour of love. I have poured my heart and soul into building a business that can stand tall not only in women’s sport, but in the industry as a whole, and I really believe we’ve done that. I am so proud of all we have achieved on and off the court, the impact that we have made, the barriers that we have broken down, the standards we have set, and the bar we have raised. We have led the way in what it means to be a women’s sports brand and business. We have grown and strengthened the domestic netball system and pathway to create more and better opportunities to enjoy, develop and thrive in our sport. And most importantly we have inspired, engaged, and meaningfully impacted tens of thousands of people along the way as we remained committed to our purpose of trying to change the game for a better, fairer future for the women and girls of Scotland and beyond.

“Whilst it will be extremely difficult to leave Scotland, my new role presents to me the same opportunity that I was faced with when I took on the NS CEO role nearly 8 years ago – the opportunity to lead, shape and influence what netball should and could like. But this time I will be doing it on a bigger scale, and I am ready for that challenge. Our sport, and the nations and Clubs within it, will thrive when we have the best professional domestic Leagues across the world, and I am committed to ensuring the UK builds the best.

“It has been an absolute honour to lead Netball Scotland and I am beyond grateful that I’ve been able to work with the most incredible people, from the NS staff and Board to our members, players, partners, and fans. Our Netball Family here in Scotland is the most supportive community of people, and I’d like to personally thank every single one of you who makes our sport what it is. I will miss you all terribly.

“I will be proud to pass the baton on to the next CEO who will lead the organisation into the next, and arguably most important, phase of our journey where we will strive to seize the immense opportunities ahead of us as a sport. Netball in Scotland is only just getting going and there is a very bright future ahead!”

Chair of Netball Scotland, Lucy Faulkner, added: “On behalf of the Netball Scotland Board I would like to express our deep gratitude and thanks to Claire for what she has done for netball over the last seven and half years. Claire’s leadership, fortitude, resilience, creativity, and innovation has raised the profile of our sport, influenced many people to support it, and helped them recognise the power of netball. Claire has been a gamechanger for our sport and this is evident in the vision, ambition and drive Claire has demonstrated to build relationships and secure commercial income to establish Strathclyde Sirens in the Netball Super League.

“Through her leadership, we have made a difference in the lives of many thousands of women and girls, and this has never been more evident than through the work of her team with young people, supporting and nurturing them through adolescence and beyond to choose a healthy lifestyle, be proud of their bodies, and to approach life with a positive mental attitude.

“Claire has a great skill of bringing the best people to Netball Scotland whilst building, supporting, and developing the incredible domestic talent we have in coaching, administration and officiating, and during her tenure the Scottish Thistles reached a peak ranking of 7th in the world, have remained in the top 10 and have consistently qualified for the Netball World Cup.

“The search for her successor has already begun and I am confident that we will attract a range of excellent candidates. Our new CEO will have the opportunity to build on Claire’s successes and support us to take netball in Scotland to the next level. We look forward to working with Claire in her new role as MD of the Netball Super League and wish her well in it.”

Head Coach Tamsin Greenway has today named the Scottish Thistles squad to compete in the upcoming Netball World Cup Qualifiers Europe at the Emirates Arena, 12-16 October 2022.

The Thistles will compete against Gibraltar, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and Wales in a round robin format over the five-day tournament with the top two teams securing their place at the Netball World Cup next summer in Cape Town. Captain Claire Maxwell will look to secure her 113th cap as she leads the squad in her 4th World Cup Qualifier. Joining the ranks will be six players debuting at a world cup qualifier. Hannah Grant who plays GD/GK is in line to gain her first international cap.

Greenway said: “This is still a young group; but it’s an exciting group and they’ve got to keep grasping their opportunities. From a performance perspective, our big test will be how we manage pressure”

“The selection of Hannah Grant and Cerys Cairns shows the depth we are creating now in the Thistles and it’s a great opportunity for two exciting young players.

“The squad selected is also all about the opposition and where we think we need to cover specific threats. Our focus is winning more ball across the court and this squad will work together to achieve that.

“It was a real eye-opener to see how strong the Celtic competition at the Commonwealth Games was, these teams hold nothing back against each other and every game is going to be highly competitive.”

Scottish Thistles Squad selected for the Netball World Cup Qualifiers Europe
1. Claire Maxwell (Captain)
2. Emily Nicholl (Vice)
3. Bethan Goodwin
4. Emma Barrie
5. Niamh McCall
6. Cerys Cairns
7. Iona Christian
8. Hannah Leighton
9. Kelly Boyle
10. Hannah Grant
11. Lauren Tait
12. Rachel Conway
Reserves – Emma Love, Chloe Carchrie, Sarah MacPhail

Scottish Thistles Fixtures at the European World Cup Qualifiers, Emirates Arena, Glasgow. Tickets available to buy HERE.

Wednesday 12 October – Centre Pass 7.30pm Scotland v Republic of Ireland
Thursday 13 October – Centre Pass 5pm Scotland v Isle of Man
Friday 14 October – Centre Pass5pm Scotland v Northern Ireland
Saturday 15 October – Centre Pass 2.30pm Scotland v Gibraltar
Sunday 16 October – Centre Pass 3pm Scotland v Wales

For further media requests please contact digital@netballscotland.com

25/09/22

Q1

The first quarter of the Scottish Super Cup finals got off to a physical start, the stakes were high, and all players came out with a common goal in mind. The pressure being so high resulted in unforced errors from both sides, this really conveyed how badly both sides were wanting the win. Play from both sides was fast and intense with physical play showing up in particular around each of the shooting circles. Hawks were able to sneak a lead in this first quarter with the help of extreme speed in the attacking end from Hannah Leighton, Kalea Stagg and Beth Goodwin. The first quarter ended 14-9 to Hawks

Q2

The Hawks began the second quarter even stronger than the first, with impressive intercepts and movement all the way down the court. Throughout the majority of the quarter, the score difference remained the same, with 5 in it as each of the teams matched each other’s pressure and speed well. Intensity and pressure began to grow as the quarter drew to an end with both sides desperate to increase their score. The Hawks were able to maintain their lead and keep the score line in their favour with the score at the end of the first half being 26-19 to Hawks.

Q3

Hawks upped their pressure even further in this quarter, continuing to build on the work they’d already done, pressuring the Eagles more and more and causing them to make unforced errors. Scotland A player Gill Thomson used her speed to gain possession and run down her opponents and create a strong presence on court. This pressure allowed the Hawks find their flow and to run away with the game and build on their goal difference with the third quarter ending 48-25 to Hawks.

Q4

The Eagles came back fighting in their final quarter, managing to make a start to closing the score line. With Sarah Macphail adding extreme pressure as the Eagles GD. Sarah was able to create both pressure and options and allow the team to find their rhythm. Despite this effort, they were unable to completely close the gap and as the quarter progressed so did the Hawks rhythm. With on-point shooting from Sirens and Thistles star Beth Goodwin the Hawks were able to claim the win and title of Super Cup winners. The final score was 59-36 to Hawks.

Catch the full replay of the Final here. 

Netball Scotland has named the two squads that will compete in the upcoming international calendar.

Head coach Tamsin Greenway has named the Scottish Thistles and Scotland A squads that will seek to secure a place at the Netball World Cup taking place in Cape Town next July.

Buy tickets for the European World Cup Qualifiers.

A mix of experienced athletes and exciting new talent is spread across the squads. Commenting on the trials, Greenway says: “Selection was a great opportunity to witness some of the new players really challenge and push the existing group who are constantly striving to push Scottish netball forwards. Having new faces across the squads just shows the competition we are developing for places, and I’m really excited about the talented group I have this season.”

Netball Scotland’s Performance Director Karen Atkinson adds: “The performance programme in Scotland has taken huge strides forwards over recent years, demanding a greater commitment from the players and their understanding of what is required to compete at International Level.  It is exciting to see so many players from within the pathway putting their hand up, showing what they are capable of and making the step up to senior level”

Returning to international for the first time since the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Scottish Thistles will step back onto court in front of a home crowd in the five-day European World Cup Qualifiers taking place 12^th-16th October at Emirates Arena, Glasgow.

Speaking on the new squads, Greenway comments: “As a group we have high ambitions, but also know that performance takes time. The steps this group have already taken in the past 2 years, the lessons learnt from the Commonwealth Games and the new group of talented athletes putting up their hands up and demanding more just shows we are creating something special. I can’t wait to take this next group on their Thistles journey.”

As the performance programme continues to develop both Atkinson and Greenway recognise the sacrifice involved, the current head coach explains; “We understand that due to lots of different life decisions players need time out and we fully support these athletes in taking time away. International netball is exciting and a huge honour, but also really tough both mentally and physically. We are grateful for the value Ella and Nic have added to the programme over the past few seasons and respect their decision not to put themselves forwards for this year.”

Karen Atkinson adds: “Ella Gibbons and Nic McCleery have decided not to put themselves forward for selection for the forthcoming international calendar, however, the door always remains open for future selection opportunities.”

Closing the chapter on international netball, Hayley Mulheron announced her retirement recently, stating: “The times shared, friendships forged and the incredible success which I have enjoyed have been an extraordinary part of my life. I have had the honour of representing my country and I am very proud of all that I have achieved. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to my netball journey and career. To the coaches who coached me, who believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play netball all over the world, I am and will always be grateful.”

Performance Director, Karen Atkinson comments: “We would like to thank Hayley Mulheron for her unwavering commitment to the Scottish Thistles over a period of 15 years, amassing 121 caps.  This is an amazing achievement, showing her role as a pivotal member of the squad.  We are sure she will continue to have a positive impact on the netball community and wish her all the best in her retirement.”

Head coach, Tamsin Greenway adds: “I would also like to thank Hayley for her contribution and dedication to the Thistles, sadly due to Hayley residing in Australia we were never able to work together, however having played against her over the years I know what a fierce competitor she is and she will be greatly missed on the netball court. I wish her all the very best in the future and her retirement.”

Fans can watch players take to court this Sunday 25th September as part of the SuperCup Finals. There are still tickets available to watch in person at Edinburgh University – available here. 

SuperCup Finals can also be watched live or on-demand through Netball Scotland’s brand new streaming channel on Recast – sign up free here.

Bringing netball fans and supporters closer to the action, Netball Scotland is delighted to be the first netball governing body to join Recast, a subscription-free, live, and on-demand sports and entertainment streaming platform based right here in Scotland, headquartered in Edinburgh.

Netball Scotland’s Recast channel will allow access to a range of content from behind-the-scenes exclusives, player interviews, grassroots competitions, live events and more.

The first event to be live streamed on the channel is the 2022 Super Cup Finals taking place on Sunday 25th September. After a debut year behind closed doors in 2021, we are thrilled to bring this exciting competition to fans and families for 2022. Netball Scotland Pathway athletes join a selection of Thistles & Strathclyde Sirens legends past & present as 4 teams fight it out to take home the Super Cup. With the first two rounds already producing some thrilling close games, the finals are set to be unmissable! Netball fans from all over will get exclusive access to catch Scotland’s up and coming netball talent as they compete alongside established Thistles and Sirens players.

Stephanie Karvelis, COO of Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens, said; “Netball Scotland is delighted to join with Recast as we create more visibility for our sport. The ability to watch our domestic competitions from anywhere and enjoy thrilling netball is game changing for our players and supporters alike. We can’t wait to grow our Recast channel over the coming seasons to maximise content for our supporters as we grow the game across Scotland.”

For Fans, Recast is free to join, easy to use, accessible from any device and content is affordable. Netball fans can watch what they want, where they want and how they want, giving them the power of choice and in turn, investing into the growth of netball in Scotland, with the majority of revenue generated on the platform going directly back to the sport.

Andy Meikle, Founder and CEO of Recast said; “Netball Scotland’s Recast Channel will give them more control over their content, and give fans access to the content they want, when they want it. As the first netball national governing body on our platform, they have grasped the opportunity to utilise Recast’s unique microtransaction model to unlock vital new digital revenue, build new audiences and strengthen connections with their fans in the UK and beyond.”

Netball Scotland supporters can join Recast for free here – and will receive 100 free Cast Credits when they join. To earn extra Casts to watch content, fans can watch ads, share content, invite friends, or purchase Cast Credits, with one Cast Credit valued at 1p, using Recast’s unique microtransaction model.

To follow Netball Scotland’s Recast channel, join Recast here.

Netball Scotland has today announced that they have been awarded the rights to host the European Netball World Cup Qualifiers 2022 (ENWCQ 2022).

The tournament, showcasing 6 European Nations, will take place in Emirates Arena, Glasgow across 14th-18th October 2022 inclusive.

The competing Nations – Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Wales, Gibraltar and Isle of Man – will be fighting it out to qualify for the Netball World Cup 2023 hosted by South Africa.

Claire Nelson, CEO of Netball Scotland said: “We are delighted to have been awarded hosting rights for the European Netball World Cup Qualifiers in 2022. The pinnacle of the global netballing calendar, the Netball World Cup is the event that all nations strive to qualify for and compete at, so being able to have the backing of our home crowd as we take on the rest of Europe gives us an important advantage.

Here in Scotland we have built a strong reputation for delivering world-class events and we look forward to working with the City of Glasgow and key Partners to ensure that we put on an exceptional Qualifiers for teams, fans and global netball audiences.”

This news is welcomed by Scotland fans who were treated to two convincing wins by Scottish Thistles over Barbados Bajan Gems in their recent test matches.

World Netball President, Liz Nicholl said: “This is a really important event in the netball calendar and following Netball Scotland’s successful hosting of a test series earlier this month, I have no doubt they will put on a fantastic event.”

Scottish Thistles Head Coach, Tamsin Greenway commented: “The World Cup Qualifiers next year are huge for us, so to be able to host these in Scotland is very exciting news. We look forward to welcoming the other nations and putting on a strong performance both on and off the court.”

A total of 16 nations will progress to the Netball World Cup 2023, England having already secured their place means only 2 from the ENWCQ will make the top 16.

Netball Europe Chair, Catherine Lewis is looking forward to seeing who will claim the remaining two slots: “International Netball is gearing up as we work our way through the COVID-19 Pandemic. It only feels like yesterday that we were watching the Vitality Netball World Cup in Liverpool in 2019 but preparations have been well underway for the 2023 World Cup in South Africa. England will qualify by virtue of their current world ranking leaving two more places for European teams to be at the netball top table event. This netball WCQ is a showcase of the fantastic netball we have in Europe and with a good luck to all the participating teams we look forward to seeing who will take the remaining two slots and the flights out to Cape Town, South Africa!”

Returning to her Captaincy earlier this year, Claire Maxwell stated: ‘The World Cup Qualifiers are a crucial event in the Scottish Thistle’s Calendar. We are delighted that we will have the support of the #ThistlesArmy in Scotland for this pivotal event.”

More information on tickets for the 5-day event will be released in the new year.