Annual Report 2019-20 CONTENTS

Chair & CEO 4

Vitality World Cup 2019 6

Vitality Roses 10

Performance 12

Vitality 14

Competition 16

Participation 18

Regions 20

Coaching 22

Officiating 23

Volunteering 24

Membership 28

Marketing & Commercial 30

Governance, Safeguarding & Compliance 35

Financial Review 36 WELCOME

2 | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 3 ‘In 2019/20 England Netball undertook court too, with them being featured CHAIR & CEO a number of game-changing projects, Fran Connolly, CEO in magazines such as Vogue, Hello! which included delivering the most and OK! Magazine and appearing on Part way through this year I programmes and channels like Blue successful Netball World Cup in history, was trusted with leading this Peter, Sky and the BBC. introducing new programmes such as organisation as CEO. I am so proud Colin Povey, Chair Bee Netball and revolutionising our and honoured to be taking on the This year we also hosted a number membership approach, plus much more.’ responsibility of leading one of of other international and Vitality England Netball had a tough act to the most successful and fastest Netball Superleague (VNSL) events, follow after the successes of last growing sports in this country. It is a which repeatedly achieved record year but 2019/20 will go down as The same energy and passion that strategy and working tirelessly wonderful position to be in but the breaking ticket sales and attendance another landmark season. was generated in Liverpool was to gather the views of all our challenge for me will be to ensure figures. With more national press evident in so many other aspects of stakeholders. We must capitalise we maintain the recent momentum coverage than ever before, netball I am always amazed by the England Netball’s activities during on the successes of the last few and trajectory of our sport. fans have given the Vitality Roses and supportive, united, energetic 2019/20. This enabled us to continue years, ensure our good momentum VNSL teams such fantastic support fervour of the Netball Family and to grow participation, membership is maintained and that we are This year has been phenomenal and and this has played a major part in a this was never more apparent than and revenues and to showcase the ready to use the Commonwealth nothing beats hosting the Vitality successful year for the organisation. in Liverpool at the Vitality Netball sport to new audiences. In her CEO’s Games in Birmingham to take the Netball World Cup 2019 on home World Cup 2019 (VNWC2019). comments Fran provides examples of sport to another new level in 2022 soil. Although the Vitality Roses In recognition of the importance of Everyone - fans, pivoteers, players, the full range of products and game and beyond. didn’t come away with the medal the VNSL and the success of future officials and administrators - formats that underpin this growth colour they wanted, they made all key events, a new role of VNSL came together to deliver a simply strategy. We will continue to listen Whilst there is much excitement of their fans very proud, with the and Competitions Director was wonderful event. The atmosphere in closely to the views of participants about the opportunities ahead, whole country getting behind them introduced to the Executive Team Our other participation the M&S Bank Arena and in the Fan to inform any new initiatives. The the financial year ended with the throughout the tournament. I don’t and we welcomed Ian Holloway to programmes continue to go from Village in Liverpool One represented success of our commercial plans outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic think I will ever forget the spine this role following a secondment as strength to strength with world all that is good about our sport and continued to reduce our dependency which stopped most sports in their tingling moments of hearing fans Sports Competition Manager for the class satisfaction ratings. Thanks to is the envy of so many others. The on grant funding and to give us the tracks. Many NGBs have suffered erupt when the team walked on court VNWC2019. Since starting the role our continued partnership with the tournament proved to everyone ability to invest in the areas we know harsh financial consequences as before each game, or listening to he has been working closely with Women’s Institute (WI), Walking that netball is a special game. Thank are most important to sustaining well as seeing all activities cease. them cheer an injured Layla Guscoth Steve Elworthy, the new Independent Netball remains our fastest you to all involved - on court, in success on a broad front. England Netball has not been on crutches back into the arena, Chair for the VNSL Board and the growing programme. the stands and behind the scenes able to avoid some of these same chanting onto the court, teams to develop a strategy for the but especially to the VNWC2019 During the year we had a change consequences but the spirit of the waiting outside the team’s hotel to league moving forward. Steve has Demonstrating the importance Board and organising committee, of leadership in the Executive Team Netball Family and the solid progress cheer them on, and getting to their a wealth of experience delivering of volunteers to the success of to Lindsay Impett, our Tournament when Joanna Adams (now Coates) we have made in improving our feet as the Vitality Roses secured a major events including the ICC netball, our sport has benefited Director and all of her team, our departed for new challenges overall financial health over the last bronze medal against South Africa. I Cricket World Cup and he was a from the dedication of over 26,000 partners at UK Sport and, of course, elsewhere and we were fortunate few years means we are proving to am not sure this level of commitment VNWC2019 board member, which volunteers this year alone. With to our colleagues in Liverpool City to have a ready made in-house be resilient as an organisation. You and togetherness would be as makes us excited about the future this in mind, we launched a new Council. Thanks also to Vitality, the successor in Fran Connolly. Having can rest assured that your Board prevalent in any other sport but ours! of our top domestic league with him volunteering strategy to recognise, event’s title sponsor, and all our conducted a global search it was and Executive Team are working and Ian leading the way. reward and guide our volunteers other commercial partners. clear that Fran had the vision, hard to protect the long term health The impact of the event was so much going forward, with a plan to experience and determination of netball at all levels across the further reaching than just the action Participation figures have continued enrich the volunteer experience for necessary to continue to drive country in these challenging times. on the court with 743,000 adults to be strong this year and we have everyone in netball even more. us forward. There is no-one who inspired to watch more live netball extended the age continuum of understands the whole organisation We are determined to ensure that as a result of the tournament, 6.07 participants involved in netball further I look forward to leading better than Fran and she was the as soon as we are able to get you million people in the UK attending through the introduction of our new England Netball forward into the unanimous choice of the Board back on court safely, enjoying the or following it and 160,000 women programme Bee Netball for U11s, next exciting chapter and the to lead us into a new era. I am company of your teammates and inspired to play netball or more meaning children as young as five development of our new 10 year confident she will do a great job friends, we will do so. With the netball. The event experience offered years of age can enjoy netball. This Adventure Strategy, with the on your behalf and will protect the strength and unity of the Netball was also the highest rated for an programme has been designed to support of the Board, staff, local core values of the game that are so Family, I have no doubt that our sport international sporting event held put the child at the centre of delivery, leaders, partners and volunteers precious to all of us. will get through this difficult time, in the UK, which is something we prioritising personal development to ensure that everyone can and I cannot wait to resume more should all be very proud of. Thanks through netball. It has already proven enjoy netball and the experiences Fran is already leading the normal activities and push on to the to this event, the Vitality Roses’ a great success with more than 2,000 offered. Thank you for your development of a new long-term next stage of our development. profiles continued to grow off the schools having signed up. continued support.

4 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 5 VITALITY NETBALL WORLD CUP 2019 TICKET BUYING NATIONS

This year the Vitality Netball World The impact of England’s historic Following an intense 10 day Cup 2019 took place in Liverpool victory competition between 16 of the top from the 12-21 July. Following a very in 2018 has already been felt teams in the world New Zealand were successful tournament in Sydney in throughout the UK netball victorious and raised the trophy in 2015 we wanted to create an event community and the legacy of front of a packed out Liverpool crowd. that reflected the iconic host city of the Vitality Netball World Cup Liverpool and the growing profile 2019 will continue to build on this 1 NEW ZEALAND of the sport as well as supporting foundation, inspiring participation 2 AUSTRALIA the INF’s objectives of Thrilling through volunteering, coaching and 3 ENGLAND 489 PIVOTEERS World Class Events, Governing with officiating, as well as playing, for 4 SOUTH AFRICA Integrity and, most importantly, thousands of fans for years to come. 2,506 PIVOTEER SHIFTS Empowering Through Netball. 5 JAMAICA Australia Nicky Dunn OBE 6 MALAWI 97% ATTENDANCE ACROSS ALL SHIFTS Jamaica The tournament was a resounding Board Chair 7 UGANDA New Zealand success in all aspects including Netball World Cup 2019 Ltd 8 ZIMBABWE 95% FROM OUTSIDE LIVERPOOL South Africa ticket sales, sponsorship, worldwide 9 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 94% FEMALE Uganda TV coverage, thrilling elite sport, fan 10 NORTHERN IRELAND UK participation and animating the city 11 SCOTLAND Our team of Pivoteers were as the event. Fans were attracted from Zimbabwe of Liverpool. 12 BARBADOS pivotal to the World Cup as the pivot all over the world making a truly Other is to the game of netball and the multi-national event. With 112,196 Unreported 13 SAMOA event would not have been possible tickets sold, 44,000 visitors to the 14 FIJI without them. Through a targeted Fan Park and a range of activities on For those unable to attend the events 15 SRI LANKA recruitment process, over 1,000 the Piazza there was much for those there was 233 hours of live UK TV 16 SINGAPORE applications were received with in Liverpool to engage with and enjoy. coverage drawing a live combined 489 people recruited for a variety audience of 3.7 million, the final was of roles. In addition, 12 professional Spectator feedback gave the event watched by 1.38 million. In addition development opportunities for a World Class Net Promotor score the competition was broadcast by six England Netball staff were provided of 81.4%. Plus, 60% of UK spectators international broadcasters. through the core Pivoteer roles at said that they were inspired by their the event. event experience to do more sport Plus, a Sport Relief charity match and active recreation than they do was held with teams captained by An accessible pricing structure was normally and 68% of UK spectators Jennifer Saunders and Oti Mabuse developed for tickets to enable as said they felt happier than normal which drew a TV audience of over P I VO TEER S many people as possible to attend when they attended the event. 950,000 across two showings 484899 along with 450 pieces of national, regional and local media coverage of the match.

The overall competition achieved impressive levels of media coverage +£3.+£3.8 supporting the increased profile of COMMERCIAL REVENUE netball. This included 194 pieces GENERATED of coverage, reaching an online readership of 803 million and offline readership of 37.2 million. This was further supported by extensive social media content which achieved 23.9 million impressions with 1.4 million engagements.

6 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 7 VNWC2019 Legacy Wider legacy of the event To support the impact of the Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 a legacy programme was designed to create an inspiring and sustainable legacy for netball. The programme considered the different types of engagement people have or Physical well-being could have with the sport and provided tailored and bespoke journeys to Liverpool. 160,000 Whether schools, club members, programme participants, fans, coaches, officials or volunteers, each group have their GB women were inspired by own individual ‘Road to Liverpool’, which was mapped out and developed into specific legacy goals and action plans. the event to start playing netball or to play more netball

PROGRAMME Enthusiasm for netball SCHOOL CLUB FAN COACH OFFICIAL VOLUNTEER PARTICIPANT 2.41 million 0 people feel more passionate 10 about netball following the EW CLUB N Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 OPPORTUNITIES TICKETS CLUB VIEWING FIGURES FINDER FOLLOWERS Economic development Revive Galvanise Accelerate Enable Inspire and grow Create Capitalise the growth of more fans to our coaching family, a network of officiating on the momentum 8.18 million England Netball’s and grow direct economic impact of participation discover netball embedding a desire role models and a of the volunteer school offer and the club network to the Vitality Netball World through inspiring through the Vitality to support the growth spirit that stimulates movement created launch a new cater for the growing Cup 2019 on Liverpool child-centred Netball Family engagement Netball World and development the growth of officials by the Vitality Netball curriculum, starting programmes Cup 2019 of the game within the local World Cup 2019 LEGACY TARGETS LEGACY in Liverpool Liverpool area Social and community development

• 2,000 schools signed • 500 free netball • 66,000 programme • 2.1 million tuned in to • 114 coaches • Three England • 1,000 applications 97% up to Bee Netball sessions provided when participants between watch the England awarded funding umpires presided to be a Pivoteer of Liverpool spectators felt clubs opened their July 2018 and games through Vitality’s over the Vitality received proud that the Vitality Netball • 18,949 girls from doors following the December 2019 – 58% #WeAreRising Netball Word Cup World Cup 2019 took place in their city schools engaged via Vitality Netball World new to netball • 1.7 million people campaign 2019 final • 95% of Pivoteers the TeamUp initiative Cup 2019 final for the followed the event on from outside of Big Netball Open Day • 1000% increase in social media • Two cohorts of Bee • International Liverpool 33 • Over 6,500 member visits to the session Netball tutors and umpires delivered Together We Will sessions were schools in 2018/19 • 107,477 individual finder on the final • 1.32 million people 20 new deliverers training to local • Pivoteer ‘thank you’ delivered across three sites in (2.6% increase from members in 2018/19 day of the Vitality agree that the Vitality trained Liverpool volunteers event attended by local Liverpool communities 2017/18) (4% increase on Netball World Cup Netball World Cup 200 volunteers 2017/18) 2019 compared to two 2019 has inspired them • 20 new Walking • 26 Merseyside Empowerment • Over 54,500 youth weeks prior to watch (more) netball Netball hosts trained umpires attended a • An NPS score of members in 2018/19 • 2,656 member clubs in on TV C Award course 78% for volunteering 5.10 million (6.8% increase from 2018/19 • 6,323 page views • A successful local experience GB adults agree that the 2017/18) on Sunday 21 July • 743,000 adults Liverpool bursary • 18 Merseyside Vitality Roses are an inspiration • 56 new Back to (bronze medal inspired to watch established umpires passed a • New England to women and girls Netball clubs match and World (more) LIVE netball as supporting Level 1 C Award written Netball volunteering Cup final) – more a result of the Vitality and Level 2 coaches assessment strategy launched in There are only two years to wait • 139 new junior clubs than on the 15 April Netball World Cup December 2019 until another inspirational major 2018 when England 2019 • Coaching social netball competition takes place • During the Biggest won gold at the 2018 media reaches in England. We look forward to Summer of Netball Commonwealth Games 31,000 people on For the full VNWC2019 Legacy Report visit welcoming more members of the 71% of clubs had more Facebook englandnetball.co.uk/nwc-legacy-report Netball Family as we embark on the people enquiring about Road to Birmingham 2022. their activity

8 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 9 VITALITY ROSES ENG A vs Australia A & NZ A

Awards won ENGLAND A v AUSTRALIA A ENGLAND A v NEW ZEALAND A

Match England A Australia A Match England A New Zealand A Following the Commonwealth Games gold medal and awards at the Sport 1 52 48 1 53 54 Personality of the Year Awards in 2 64 74 2 44 44 2018, this year the achievement of the 3 47 58 3 48 78 Vitality Roses and the support team has rightly continued to be celebrated throughout the sports industry. The prestigious accolades include:

SUNDAY TIMES SPORT AWARDS South Africa Tour • Team of the Year – Vitality Roses Results • Lifetime Achievement Award – stood down from her Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Colette Thomson The Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 role as Vitality Roses Head Coach 29.11.19 30.11.19 01.12.19 was the pinnacle of the four year after securing the Vitality Netball UK SPORT PLX AWARDS calendar for the Vitality Roses and World Cup 2019 bronze medal. Q1 15-12 16-12 10-16 the team finished the competition by Having been at the helm for four Q2 13-11 13-15 11-11 • Coach of the year – Tracey Neville securing the bronze medal. Throughout years, Tracey leaves the squad with Q3 11-17 14-14 15-14 the competition they implemented a two major medals and in a position • Biggest Turnaround in High number of impressive performances to challenge for further honours with Q4 12-11 16-12 12-13 Performance Sport – Sara and achieved the following results: a wealth of exciting, young talent ET 12-7 Symington (runner up) learning from her experienced and Score Won 63-58 Won 59-53 Lost 48-54 12 JULY trusted stalwarts. Jess Thirlby was HONOURS ENG v UGANDA (W 63-32) appointed promptly to take up the reins bringing experience of coaching •  & Jo Harten – MBE 13 JULY at all other national team age groups ENG v SCOTLAND (W 70-34) supported by an impressive playing •  – CBE pedigree – a portfolio of over 20 14 JULY years as a top-level player and coach. Vitality Nations Cup ENG V SAMOA (W 90-24) The first three months of Jess’ 15 JULY tenure was busy with the England ENG v JAMAICA (W 56-48) A team testing themselves against Match 1 Match 2 Match 3 Match 4 the Australian A and New Zealand New Zealand South Africa Jamaica South Africa 17 JULY A teams across six matches and ENG v TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (W 72-46) the Vitality Roses headed to South Q1 11-15 13-16 15-19 18-15 Africa, the hosts of the next World 18 JULY Cup, for a three match test. In Q2 14-13 12-10 16-20 18-14 ENG v SOUTH AFRICA (W 58-47) January 2020 the Vitality Netball Nations Cup saw World Cup winners Q3 13-20 17-11 14-18 13-19 20 JULY New Zealand return to UK shores for ENG v NZ (L 45-47) the first time since their impressive Q4 10-16 16-17 21-13 16-15 win to take on the Vitality Roses, 21 JULY South Africa and Jamaica for another Score Lost 48-64 Won 58-54 Lost 66-70 Won 65-63 ENG v SA (W 58-42) – Bronze medal tournament that thrilled British fans.

10 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 11 PERFORMANCE OCTOBER 2019 U21 Championships

Four nations battled to establish dominance but there was only ever one candidate for the top spot in this tournament. With a Behind all the on court success JUNE – JULY 2019 blend of U21 and U19 England squad members we completely is a passionate and driven subjugated all three opponents to take a comprehensive overall performance team gunning for U19s Tour v NZ & Aus victory. gold at all levels. As ever, it has been another year full of jam- To continue the development of the U19 England team, a tour to Match Scores: packed netball action, from a tour Australia then New Zealand was organised for the team to play its England v Northern Ireland 83-20 (win) to Australia and New Zealand for counterparts in both countries. England v Wales 56-28 (win) our U19 rising stars, to the Netball England v Scotland 75-21 (win) Europe Open with the England U21 England and our Australian counterparts won two matches each. squad securing victory. This was followed by a similar visit to New Zealand, again with an equivalent squad to face. This time, we only won one of the OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019 Whilst there was plenty of success four matches, however two of the defeats were extremely close to celebrate for the performance matches all the way through. Roses Development Framework Roadshow team, there has been a lot of change too. We were sad to The Roses Development Framework Roadshow took place all over see Pathway Head Coach Jan the country, using franchise and regional performance athletes to Crabtree retire from her role after AUGUST 2019 illustrate new concepts in coaching younger talent-identified athletes. 10 years of developing players The sessions were aimed at a wide variety of audience, including from youth all the way to the U15s Netball Performance Competition coaches, parents, sports medicine staff and students, teachers and Vitality Roses. Whilst Jan will be indeed any stakeholder of player development. missed, she has left the role in This year we launched a brand new competition for the U15 age the capable hands of Sheonah group, with eight franchise teams plus Leeds Rhinos representing Forbes, whose experience with the Yorkshire region. This joint project with the Youth Sport JANUARY 2020 the Roses Academy and leading Trust was a way to introduce performance athletes to a bespoke the Thunder pathway top-level competition aimed at one specific younger age group. Vitality Nations Cup CPD makes her an ideal candidate. Matches were live streamed to gage the public interest in such an event and we are pleased to report a total of over 22,000 views During the Vitality Nations Cup event, Franchise Pathway Coaches over just two days. were invited to attend a CPD event with England Netball and other expert partners looking at how to develop young talented athletes all over the country, including those not yet in the SEPTEMBER 2019 national programme. A performance analyst CPD workshop also took place, involving all VNSL clubs analysts. This year we have Netball Europe Open made an application JAN SHEONAH for our athletes to CRABTREE FORBES This event was effectively a Home Nations tournament, held in MARCH 2020 undertake a Diploma Antrim, Northern Ireland with an England U21 squad facing our in Sporting Excellence neighbours Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic Netball Europe U17 Championships for the 2020 to 2022 In addition, Sarah Green of Ireland. The competition was perhaps closer than expected programme and was appointed to the role of with England and Wales both defeating Northern Ireland and the Five netball nations met at the Ebbw Vale Sports Centre in Wales can now report that Performance Coach Developer Republic of Ireland and drawing with one another! With a goal to compete for the U17 European title. Again, England displayed we are successful, to support the development of average of 1.704 compared to Wales’ 1.622, England still managed total dominance to defeat three more local rivals as well as new having been granted elite coaches. She brings a wealth to come home with the trophy after an exciting tournament. opponent Switzerland and stormed to first place. 65 places. Likewise, of experience with her, following the Talented Athlete her time with the English Football Match Scores: Match Scores: Scholarship Scheme Association. England v Ireland 73-16 (win) England v Scotland 89-22 (win) (TASS) supported England v Wales 51-51 (draw) England v Northern Ireland 96 – 19 (win) England Netball with England v NI 41-60 (win) England v Switzerland 122 – 16 (win) 20 places. England v Wales 74 – 37 (win)

12 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 13 role, in the very first day of the new VITALITY NETBALL SUPERLEAGUE season she shot 100% to signal not only her intent but that of her team. In the following rounds Funmi Fadoju caught the imagination of fans and pundits with a string of The build up to the Vitality Netball sensational performances and is set Superleague started back in to be a player to watch. August, with the announcement of the player signing window. From Defending champions Manchester 16 August 2019, the 10 franchises Thunder also maintained a 100% win began announcing their squads for record and looked to be on-track to the 2020 season. were mount a strong title defence. the first to announce a player with Eboni Usoro-Brown confirmed for Despite a slow start without a single the new season. point in the opening three rounds, a new-look took to the Over the next five months players court in Worcester to upset two- were announced across the league time champions . This with some surprising and eye- result left Wasps in the bottom half catching moves between sides. of the table, unchartered territory Severn Stars signaled their intent in their short but successful three Pulse unbeaten, Saracens without a point. However, the with the capture of Liana Leota from previous seasons in the competition. Mavericks on six points, Dragons were showing signs of defending champions Manchester Storm, Wasps Netball, Severn promise, particularly around the Thunder and they went on to sign The league was shaping up to be Stars, and signing of Latanya Wilson who was Commonwealth gold medal-winning as close as ever with Manchester Loughborough Lightning on three a standout player in Round One captain from London Thunder, Team Bath and London points and only recording 10 interceptions, more than any other player that round.

Pulse as well as Nia Jones and return of another Vitality Netball On the 15 March following Round Bethan Dyke from Celtic Dragons. Superleague season in front of over Three the season came to an Elsewhere, the eyes of the world 9,000 excited fans and the Sky abrupt halt due to the COVID-19 were on South African shooter Sigi Sports television cameras. pandemic resulting in a ban on Burger after a brilliant first season mass gatherings and a countrywide in the VNSL with but it Whilst the Vitality Netball World lockdown. As this unprecedented was under new coach Cup 2019 was the most successful situation continued to unfold the Sam Bird who captured the South Netball World Cup event in history, VNSL Board worked collaboratively African shooter’s signature. Saracens the Vitality Netball Superleague with England Netball, all 10 teams Mavericks added Vitality Roses Season Opener saw even higher and key stakeholders to continually gold ticket sales for an England Netball monitor Government and medical medalist to their squad event. The opening rounds of advice and carefully considered as they were looking to kick on into the competition showed why our various scenarios for reigniting the top four following last season’s flagship competition continues to the season. However, on 27 May fifth place finish. Loughborough capture the imagination of fans it was announced that a decision Lightning retained the services of around the world, with twists and had been reached to conclude Ugandan shooter Mary Cholhok as turns, world netball superstars the 2020 season. This was felt to they looked to retain their top four as well as the emergence of new be the most appropriate measure finish from last season. sporting heroes. to guarantee the safety of the Netball Family, protect the long The season began at the record- London Pulse - who finished bottom term future of all VNSL teams breaking Season Opener. This of the table in 2019 - maintained and ensure the VNSL can take fanfare event saw all 10 teams arrive a 100% record winning three from necessary steps to come back in in one location - three at the start of the season. New a strong position for a successful - on 22 February to mark the arrival Sigi Burger played a starring season in 2021.

14 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 15 COMPETITION

Premier League

PREMIER LEAGUE 1 1st – Oldham 2nd – Academy

Before netball activity was suspended due to COVID-19, Oldham had already confirmed their place as champions with 14 wins, one loss and two draws, securing their fourth successive Premier League 1 title. Academy also confirmed their 2nd place finish, less than 10 points shy of National Performance League (NPL) National Schools Oldham and unable to be caught. The 2019/20 NPL season kicked off back in December England Netball partner, The British Army, PREMIER LEAGUE 2 with the opening weekend at the University of joined up with the National Schools event 1st – YWCA Bury Worcester. When netball was suspended, both the U21 as naming partner and supported the 2nd – Linden and U19 leagues still had plenty to play for. event with the addition of fun challenges and games for teams to enjoy in respite YWCA Bury went all season without defeat, In the U19 league, Loughborough Lightning and times. Additional prizes were also offered taking 16 wins and securing the top place, 11 were separated by a goal average to each of the age group winners, such as points ahead of 2nd place Linden. of 0.1. London Pulse and Wasps trailed by two and three ‘The Ultimate Training Camp’, led by the league points respectively. British Army. PREMIER LEAGUE 3 1st – Charnwood In the U21 competition, the top three spots were The National Schools finals event took 2nd – Thoroughbreds occupied by Manchester Thunder, London Pulse and place at Stanborough School for the Loughborough Lightning. fourth successive year with 18 teams per Before the suspension of netball activity, age group competing to be the National Charnwood secured their top place and promotion Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the season was School Champions. racking up 78 points from 14 wins and two losses. unfortunately brought to a halt before the conclusion of all The calculations applied to conclude the season fixtures and the season was declared cancelled alongside U14 saw Exeter agonisingly miss out on promotion by the Vitality Netball Superleague season on 27 May. 1st Berkhamsted School less than one point and Norfolk United wondering 2nd Putney High School what might have been if the season had played NPL TOURNAMENT 2019 out, just a single point behind. However, it was The NPL Tournament was held at the David Ross U16 Thoroughbreds left celebrating the 2nd place Sports Village at the University of Nottingham from 1st High School finish and they will be delighted that their early the 25-28 July for the U17, U19 and U21 age groups. 2nd The Grange form was enough to get them over the line. U17 U19 1st – Manchester Thunder 1st Worthing College 2nd – 2nd Hartpury College Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and despite National Clubs Finals rescheduling the Premier League Playoffs to U19 OTHER AWARDS August, unfortunately England Netball had 1st – Manchester Thunder • Endeavour Award – Holy Cross (U19) This year’s U14 and U16 National Club Finals to make the tough decision to cancel these 2nd – Wasps Netball • Best Defence – Guildford High School (U16) were unfortunately unable to go ahead as events. As a result there was no promotion and Stockport Grammar School (U14) planned, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. or relegation between Premier League 3 U21 • Best Attack – Putney High School (U14) and Regional Leagues. 1st – London Pulse 2nd – Manchester Thunder

16 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 17 PARTICIPATION UNO

This year we placed a University In 2019/20 we have seen Netball Officer into 47 institutions participation in clubs and leagues to engage students who are not at an all-time high and the legacy part of their competitive teams and of the Vitality Netball World Cup WALKING NETBALL ensure that they can still take part 2019 had a significant impact on in and enjoy our sport. This project netball participation well beyond For the third consecutive year, What had initially been a short-term collectively enabled the participation the 10 days in Liverpool. For those Walking Netball continues to be the pilot partnership with the Women’s of 5,363 students across the individuals who were inspired to try fastest-growing form of netball with Institute (WI) has gone from strength country. Each officer was invited to netball, England Netball continued some of the earlier ventures now to strength, with the bond between a training event at Loughborough to offer a range of projects and celebrating their fourth anniversaries. our two organisations stronger and offered local staff support. programmes all across the country Between April 2019 and March 2020 than ever thanks to the support After the academic year of initiatives for them to get involved with. Our we have seen an additional 9,663 we receive from Sport England in encouraging people to take to portfolio provides a form of netball Walking Netball participants enter facilitating the project. We saw a court, we held the annual SHOTS! for anyone, delivered by staff or our programmes and we know that benchmark reached this year with event in early March; a friendly community facilitators. for many, their regular ‘wiggle and over 3,000 WI members actively festival of netball open to students giggle’ with new friends has had a part of one or more of our Walking who took part in the UNO project positive impact on their lives with Netball programmes. As well as without having had the opportunity evidence of improvement in both participation we have trained some to represent their university in physical and mental health. 220 WI members as Walking Netball formal student sports competition, hosts so that their sessions are self- the desired result being that the Similarly to the Back to Netball sustainable and many WI members students continue their involvement programme, Walking Netball enjoy attending international in netball after having graduated. subscriptions have been introduced matches; in particular we welcomed to stimulate a sense of community a large number of WI Walking for Walking Netball participants, Netballers to the Vitality Nations Cup BACK TO NETBALL with the same benefits. event held in January 2020. Bee Netball

For over 10 years, the Back to Riding the wave of excitement the head-start to arm them with Netball programme has been one created by the Vitality Netball World the mental and physical skills to of the leading initiatives in female Cup 2019, we formally launched Bee become the England Vitality Roses sport and this year saw continued Netball in June 2019. Bee Netball of tomorrow. Netball Youth Camps growth with 11,680 people taking is designed for children U11 and part. Coaches who deliver Back to aims to use netball to develop a During our first year, we’re The NYC programme is always Netball are seen as specialists in sense of self-worth, belonging and delighted that over 2,000 schools followed by satisfaction surveys this area and satisfaction surveys pride in personal development. It and nearly 350 clubs have signed to arm us with the knowledge to reported that participants rate the has an emphasis on fun, inclusion up to deliver Bee Netball. Over improve these experiences for programme as ‘World Class’ – a feat and participation. It is designed to 300 coaches, teachers and young netball enthusiasts. This year achieved year after year. In January, ensure that everyone can join in and parent helpers have attended Bee saw the introduction of one-day Back to Netball subscriptions were gain something special from netball, Netball workshops to learn all camps in shorter school holidays, to introduced to enhance the Back to whether it be new friends, growing about the philosophy to truly put complement the existing three-day Netball experience for participants confidence, developing new skills the child at the heart of delivery, and five-day offers and have been including tailored digital content, or coming up with new ideas. It also with netball being secondary to particularly well-received. This year equipment and a degree of personal aims to create the right attitude their personal development. Our we organised more camps than ever insurance, thereby creating a Back to sport and respect for others. staff alone have enabled nearly before with over 100 successful to Netball community above and Of course there is an underlying 1,000 children to join in through experiences delivered all over the beyond the sessions alone. foundation to ensure that Bee England Netball-managed country, with an average of 26 Netball participants today have community Bee Netball sessions. participants at each.

18 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 19 REGIONS

• Berkhampsted School U14s formed under the WI and people, including Team Bath North East • Hosted a Walking Netball • Winter Warmer Walking crowned National Schools England Netball partnership. Players, the Netball South regional festival in July which was Netball festival in February, Champions Members got together for the West President, Denise May TOTAL PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS 2520 a great success and will hopefully held in Warwickshire with over first ever London & South East and England Netball President, TOTAL NEW TO NETBALL 1445 become an annual event 200 participants and 20 teams • 19 Netball festivals delivered with WI Walking Netball festival in Lindsay Sartori HIGHLIGHTS from across the country 495 participants, including a November fabulous Christmas Fancy Dress • 10 Bee Netball Workshops with • Four Walking Netball North West • A partnership kindly supported 179 attendees who are now Tournaments in each county with • Walking Netball Tournament by Lambeth Borough Council starting to run Bee Netball in TOTAL PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS 6324 over eight teams entered in each delivered in Bedfordshire with attracted 129 new to netball their schools and clubs TOTAL NEW TO NETBALL 2984 TOTAL PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS 5528 over 100 participants participants seven of whom TOTAL NEW TO NETBALL 2918 • In partnership with Newcastle HIGHLIGHTS attended a UKCC course • First Women’s Institute Walking City Council and Street Games, HIGHLIGHTS • 10 NYCs delivered during Netball festival took place in provided netball for over 500 • Record number of nominations May, July and February, many Paignton with six WIs from children in areas of deprivation for the North West Goalden • Afsana Afsar awarded the of which were sold out and South across the South West Globe Awards (39), leading to This Girl Can award at the received excellent feedback TOTAL PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS 4432 • Launched deaf netball sessions nine National awards winners Active Derbyshire awards • 15 Netball Youth Camps run with TOTAL NEW TO NETBALL 2381 in Newcastle in association with from the region for her work in setting up • New division in the Heritage first Cornwall NYC selling out Deaf Awareness NE Back to Netball sessions in League (Bedfordshire) HIGHLIGHTS • 47 Schools from the North Derby engaging over 80 girls to facilitate competitive West (300 pupils) took part and women. These sessions opportunities for teams created • Hosted a Bee Netball showcase Yorkshire in a special netball event a were aimed at BAME women, from Back to Netball sessions with Bees from five year Schools Mini Netball World Cup particularly younger girls who olds having their first taste TOTAL PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS 2865 at Liverpool ONE, ahead of are home-schooled of netball, to 11 year old club TOTAL NEW TO NETBALL 1729 the Vitality Netball World Cup London & SE players, creating a real buzz HIGHLIGHTS (VNWC2019) which was held in • Second annual East Midlands TOTAL PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS 5083 our region Coaching Conference • 27 Bee Netball sessions and TOTAL NEW TO NETBALL 3305 • Working with Wickersley delivering various workshops two sell-out Bee Netball Netball Club to extend their • Local legacy project ‘Together for over 40 coaches HIGHLIGHTS workshops introducing 248 offer into different parts of we will’ delivered around the youngsters to the sport and Rotherham and develop a VNWC2019 targeting inactive • A new virtual Walking Netball • Nominations for the Regional equipping 40 teachers/coaches mentoring scheme for the clubs women from four specific wards session launched as an online Goalden Globe Awards have with the skills to provide Bee in the satellite programme in Liverpool to be inspired and wiggle and giggle as we entered doubled since 2019 and saw Netball at their schools or clubs get active through netball lockdown. The first event saw all counties represented across • ParaNetball continues with over 90 women attend! the eight categories • The first ever Hampshire great success as Net4All at Women’s Institute (WI) Walking Sheffield Concord Netball Club, • Netball Youth Camps in London Netball festival welcomed ladies coming second at the national East & South East have increased from 10 different WI groups TOTAL PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS ParaNetball championships 6336 fivefold with a total of 20 being TOTAL NEW TO NETBALL 2022 TOTAL PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS 4232 and having secured funding run in 2019/20. This has led to TOTAL NEW TO NETBALL 2686 to develop further through HIGHLIGHTS a 420% increase in attendees South West a partnership with Sheffield HIGHLIGHTS TOTAL PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS 5302 International Venues • 100% pass rate in CAPS • Eclipse Netball Club (Gold TOTAL NEW TO NETBALL 2306 since December for our West • Netball East 70th anniversary CAPS) finished in the top-half • Extended funding for ‘Your Midlands clubs totalling 10 event and Goalden Globes held of National Premier League 3 in HIGHLIGHTS Netball Your Community’ in clubs. May 2019 celebrating 70 years their maiden season association with Yorkshire Sport of fabulous netball, talented • South West Goalden Globe Foundation to an area of Barnsley • Strong level of nominations coaches, officials, players and • In Surrey, a total of 170 WI Awards celebrated the to expand a Back to Netball offer received for Goalden Globe volunteers in the East members have been attending nominees and eight category to become a satellite club Awards Walking Netball sessions winners. Attended by 70

20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 21 COACHING OFFICIATING English umpires and assessors have supported many international competitions this year.

England Netball continue to offer NET2019 35 24 118 106 Umpires CPD courses to members all over GARY BURGESS IUA the country, and the portfolio now 2019/20 saw the third and final year 597 276 174 379 Vitality Netball World Cup (July 2019) includes our Bee Netball Workshop, of the successful UK Sport Legacy Vitality Netball Nations Cup (January 2020) Level 1 Level 2 Into Officiating C Award IAN FULLER IUA launched in July 2019. Between Project NET2019. A partnership Award launch and the end of March between England Netball, UK Wales v S. Africa Test Series (July 2019) Wales v Grenada Test Series (July 2019) 2020 we delivered 35 workshops, Sport and the International Netball Number of Courses 13 2 Netball Europe Open Championships upskilling almost 600 new Federation aimed at inspiring women Number Qualified* (September 2019) facilitators for U11s. and girls across two partner countries 32 21 * It can take up to 2 years to qualify after having JACKIE MIZON IUA - Zambia and Argentina - delivering attended a course so we will see these figures Wales v S. Africa Test Series (July 2019) continue to rise B Award Technical Offcials a comprehensive inbound coach Vitality Netball World Cup (July 2019) education programme linked to the JAMES THOMAS ITID MASTERCLASS ON THE Vitality Netball World Cup 2019. In September 2019 Jackie Mizon Wales v S. Africa Test Series (July 2019) COUCH The Coaching Road The Officiating Road retired from umpiring – both Wales v Grenada Test Series (July 2019) Two coaches from each of the to Liverpool to Liverpool internationally and domestically. Netball Europe Open Challenge (May 2019) During the Vitality Netball World Cup partner countries took part in a two With well over 150 Superleague KATE MANN ITID Netball Europe Open Challenge (May 2019) 2019 we piloted the concept of virtual week visit to the UK in February • 114 Vitality bursaries offered • 34 Officials including 28 Technical fixtures in a portfolio which also Wales v Grenada Test Series (July 2019) learning through the launch of our 2020 and immersed themselves in and to date 57 bursaries Officials and Statisticians, includes international fixtures all over KATE STEPHENSON IUA inaugural ‘Masterclass on the Couch’ coaching environments across the have been used on Level 1 four Umpires and two Umpire the world, Jackie said: “I will miss Wales v S. Africa Test Series (July 2019) initiative. 42 coaches took part. Such game to learn and develop their courses through Vitality’s Assessors appointed to the everything about being an umpire but Wales v Grenada Test Series (July 2019) was the interest in our pilot that a coaching skills. Highlights of this #WeAreRising campaign Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 I will always be involved in the sport Vitality Netball World Cup (July 2019) second was organised alongside the programme included observation that is interwoven in the very fabric of Constellation Cup (October 2019) Vitality Netball Superleague Opener at Superleague Training sessions, • Delivered a Bee Netball • For the first time in the my life and know new challenges and Vitality Netball Nations Cup (January 2020) in February 2020, attracting 28 Netball Youth Camps, Bee Netball workshop to 20 learners at history of the Netball World adventures are out there.” LOUISE TRAVIS IUA participants. Whilst the project was and club training session, attendance the VNWC2019 Cup three English Umpires Vitality Netball World Cup (July 2019) Constellation Cup (October 2019) launched in order to gain valuable at the Superleague Season Opener were appointed to the World In November 2019, we were delighted insight which could help to shape in Birmingham, attendance at an • “Liverpool Coaching Bursary” Cup Final - Gary Burgess to reveal the launch of our new RACHAEL RADFORD ITID Netball Europe Open Challenge (May 2019) virtual learning in the future, the end independent coaching conference, supporting 10 coaches to (3rd NWC Final) and Kate umpiring and technical official kit Netball Europe Open Championships of the reporting year provided an presenting at the UK Coaching qualify to date (x3 Level 1 and Stephenson (1st) with Louise created in partnership with Nike. The (September 2019) unexpected opportunity to put some Research Conference alongside x7 Level 2) Travis (1st) appointed as the stylish range, which is available on the of our findings into practice much meetings with our key partners the reserve umpire for the thrilling England Netball online store now, has Umpire Assessors sooner with the global COVID-19 INF and UK Sport. • Pilot of ‘Masterclass on the Australia v New Zealand final been designed with grassroots officials CHERYL DANSON ITP pandemic forcing us to cancel ‘face- Couch’ virtual learning with 42 and umpires in mind. The aim of the Vitality Netball World Cup (July 2019) to-face’ learning altogether for an During the Vitality Netball World coaches • Gary Burgess became only range is to give local league umpires a Vitality Netball Nations Cup (January 2020) unknown period of time. Cup in Liverpool four delegates from the third International Umpire more professional look on court. Netball Europe U17 Challenge (February 2020) Zambia and Argentina attended the to officiate 100 International HEATHER GLEADALL ITP England Netball ‘Make the Game During the Vitality Netball World matches following the Northern After years of working on the Vitality Netball World Cup (July 2019) LIVErpool’ coaching and officiating Cup 2019, England Netball Ireland v Malawi match implementation of this new kit, JOANNA KELLY ITP conferences and the NET2019 partnered with the International England Netball’s Head of Officiating, Netball Europe Open Challenge (May 2019) project was featured in the INF Netball Federation and UK Gary Burgess, said: “I am absolutely Netball Europe U17 Challenge (February 2020) observer programme. Sport to host Make the Game thrilled to be able to bring this JUDITH GROVES ITP LIVErpool. This included our wonderful range of kit and accessories Wales v S. Africa Test Series (July 2019) The coaches then returned to their largest coaching and officiating to our grassroots officials. Whether Wales - 4 Team Test Series (July 2019) Wales v Grenada Test Series (July 2019) respective countries to cascade and conference to date. Held across you are a Local, County or Regional Netball Europe Open Championships disseminate knowledge and learning two days we were joined by League Umpire, a Technical Official (September 2019) to other coaches. A comprehensive 1,077 coaches and officials from at Premier League or an Officiating MARGARET DEIGHAN ITP independent review of this across the world looking to learn Assessor, there’s something for you. Netball Europe Open Challenge (May 2019) programme is also underway and from some of the best educators This kit range really does bring with it Africa Cup, Cape Town (October 2019) Credit: @IntNetball will be available later in 2020. the world of netball has to offer. a professional look at a local level.” Netball Europe U17 Challenge (February 2020)

22 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 23 Volunteering

“I was so delighted to see the formal launch of the volunteering strategy during 2019/20. Netball was led and pioneered by volunteers in the past and now in partnership with England Netball staff in recent times, netball has adapted and been sustained by them in a great variety of roles on and off the court. This strategy offers a road map to ensure that our superb netball volunteering network is valued and can continue to learn and develop our sport for future netballing generations.”

Lindsay Sartori, England Netball President

There is no doubt that volunteers has spearheaded the project to to volunteering work more closely One of the key messages our are the very heart and soul of our recognise, reward and guide our than ever with those in Officiating strategy document stresses is sport. For all the hard work we do dedicated volunteers to bring the and Coaching – and any other that we estimate at least 26,000 at England Netball, all we are really greatest value from their time. To department when the need arises dedicated netball volunteers regularly doing is providing a framework in this end, England Netball are proud – to ensure that the strategy is not give their time to our sport for the which anyone can take part in our to unveil the Volunteer Strategy seen as a standalone document good of others, and that this skilled sport and to make it a way of life – 2019 – 2025. In conjunction with but becomes ingrained into our time would equate to approximately without our dedicated and valued some key partners from Sport philosophies and in everything that £55,000,000 per year! volunteers, our framework would England and other such authorities, we do. remain empty – there would be no we have produced a robust report The strategy itself seeks to facilitators making our visions a and roadmap for making sure our Volunteering Strategy establish two goals: reality and making netball in all forms volunteers are both appreciated 2019-2025 and at all levels accessible to so many. and are armed with the tools and 1. Support an Effective Infrastructure skills needed to make best use of – a meaningful partnership This year we have welcomed their time for the good of netball. between England Netball and Imogen Greatbatch to the role Most pertinently, England Netball netball volunteers supporting of Head of Volunteering, and she now ensure that the staff dedicated membership organisations (clubs, registered leagues, counties and regions) and England Netball • Event Volunteering research This is just the start, we have many events and competitions project (delivered by Goodform) more conferences and workshops planned and we recognise that we 2. Activate a Volunteer Development • Over 50 volunteer roles mapped need to listen to our volunteers Model – help inspire volunteers supporting England Netball more than we talk to them. We Building a movement, empowering volunteers to based on their love of netball completely believe and trust in enrich lives through netball through aligning opportunities to • ‘Strategy and League’ our strategy and will work hard to individual volunteer motivations Conferences delivered to 90 enrich the volunteer experience for You can download your own copy volunteers with three new everyone in netball to improve the of the England Netball Volunteering In order to work towards achieving workshops launched to volunteers quality and enjoyment of those we Strategy 2019-2025 at www. these goals and offer a programme from registered leagues already have, and attract young englandnetball.co.uk. Please do take of volunteer skill development, volunteers to grow and sustain our the time to digest the document and England Netball have already • ‘Adventure strategy’ consultation most valuable group of people. the potential positive impact this delivered the following during the sessions run with County and guidance can have on our sport. 2019/20 period: Regional Volunteers

24 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 25 Goalden Globes AWARDS MARY BULLOCH VOLUNTEER INCLUSION & DIVERSITY AWARD HERITAGE “Heritage Quay is delighted to support the netball AWARD Shaharun Nessa, Star Netball Club, heritage volunteers, particularly in putting on the World We continue our tradition of holding Dawn Cox (London & South East) Helen Thorneloe The National Heritage and Archives Group is a Cup exhibition during 2019, and to welcome the wider a Goalden Globe Awards event in volunteer-led group supporting the Board to netball community in using the netball archives for every region, every year, in order MURIEL MCNALLY GRASSROOTS ENGLAND NETBALL ROSE AWARD safeguard the heritage of England Netball. It is assisted family history, sports history and academic research. to recognise and celebrate all our VOLUNTEER AWARD Molly Rhone, Imogen Greatbatch, by England Netball staff and the expert team at It’s great to see people making new discoveries from volunteers. The winners of each Jackie Berry (South West) Sheelagh Redpath, Brian Worrell Heritage Quay where the archives collection is safely these amazing records.” regional award form the nominees stored and catalogued. During 2019/20 the group: for the National Awards and this year SHEELAGH REDPATH LONG SERVICE AWARD Sarah Wickham, University of Huddersfield the national event was held alongside GRASSROOTS OFFICIALS AWARD Claire Daly, Dawn Heron, Jane • Provided statistics and background material to Archives and Records Manager the Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 Hazel Nicholls (South West) Hadfield, Jayne Bell, Jean Davies, several Vitality Netball Word Cup 2019 media in Liverpool. Congratulations and Linda Andrews, Margaret Warren, teams and prepared a display of England Netball thanks to all our winners: GRASSROOTS COACH AWARD Syd Smailes, Mary Kilby, Val archives and memorabilia at the M&S Bank Arena Rosie Harris (North West) Sanders, Mary Slade, Barbara Verlander, Jan Burke, Carol • Began the digitalisation of photographs, film and TEACHER AWARD Shaughnassy video materials in the collection and rationalised Hayley McCallister (South West) other contents in the archives HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP YOUNG VOLUNTEER AWARD Gloria Keech, Angela Hoyle, Kath • Brought together some ‘living legends’ and Isabella Cottrell (East Midlands) Edwards recorded oral histories of former players, coaches, volunteers and officials who had been part of OUTSTANDING NETBALL CLUB "PASS ON YOUR PASSION" YOUNG World Tournaments since 1963 The group are always looking for new recruits to AWARD VOLUNTEERS EVIDENCING 400 help fill the gaps in the collection through donating Phoenix Netball Club (North West) HOURS • Contributed content for the Sky Sports documentary or loaning netball pictures and memorabilia to Mia Kersey, Libby Hill, Abbie video entitled the ‘History of the World Cup’ the England Netball archive. You can get more UNSUNG HERO AWARD Thompson, Megan Fey, Tyler-Sue involved helping support the group with roles like Ruksana Moress (North West) Chapman cataloguing new donations.

Netball in the SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD early 20th To get involved or find out more, email Century - Oldham Netball Club (North West) gymslips and [email protected] 5-a side

26 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 27 “The last few years have been game changing for our sport and we would not have MEMBERSHIP got to where we are without you, our members – the people that make netball happen. We now stand proudly as the largest female team sport in this country with 1.6 million women and girls playing every week and a national team who made history securing the Commonwealth Games gold in 2018.

“We are extremely proud to be a not for profit organisation that puts every single “Our membership represents a national network penny back into the game. Thanks to the incredible support of members, our sport of like-minded athletes, volunteers, coaches, has been able to touch the lives of people up and down the country, achieve history on the international stage and provide pathways for others to realise their dreams. officials and supporters” The incredible profile our sport now has would simply not have been possible without your membership contributions, thank you so very much for your ongoing support.”

2018/19 2019/20 Fran Connolly CEO Personal Members

Over 18 Members 50,937 49,558

Under 18 Members 13,036 13,602 ENgage – A New Approach to Membership

Under 14 Members 21,216 21,890 Implementing any new system • Direct communication facility Under 11 Members 17,605 17,978 is not without its difficulties, through ENgage but over the last reporting year Social and Supporting Members 424 2,876 England Netball are proud to have • Free websites for Regions, achieved a complete overhaul of Counties, Leagues and Clubs – Total 103,218 105,904 the membership system, migrating and they all link together where away from MyNet and into the appropriate new ENgage system – part of the This year we are pleased to report which lead to nationally and gains the first sight of ticket sales PARTNER DISCOUNTS NetbALL Connected vision that will • Competition Management – 105,904 personal members by 31 internationally recognised to secure their favourite seats Our commercial partners aren’t eventually see all our operations fixtures, player eligibility, results March. A personal membership is qualifications which place the for live games under our control, just for business benefit – all channel through a single interface. tables and more all managed more than buying an insurance policy candidate on a robust and clear via member-exclusive pre-sales our members this year have electronically and updated in or simply a ‘passport to play’ – the pathway. Being a member allows not available to the general had access to 30% (adult Here are the headline benefits to real-time for leagues and clubs benefits of being an England Netball an individual to take their expertise public. This year we offered personal membership) discount the new membership system: with a free ENgage website member are numerous and include: as far as they wish to apply it, and 10% discounts to the VNSL from Gilbert Netball, an LRG in turn this helps our athletes to Season Opener and every single Fitness annual subscription for • Fees frozen for another year – Publication of the revised and ACCESS TO REGISTERED LEAGUES achieve their potential. international fixture hosted in just £24.99 and discounted car including the half-price “taster improved insurance document saw Registered leagues are trusted this country. These benefits could insurance from GoGirl. rate” membership an increase in most membership for their superior quality and EXCLUSIVE MEMBER CONTENT be used in conjunction for those packages but in particular the support network – like safe training, Members receive the quarterly members who also happen to be JUNIOR BENEFITS • Simpler membership structure Social and Supporting package. mentoring and the gamut of support magazine ‘5th QTR’ which brings our biggest supporters. As well as a cheaper rate of and purchase process offered by volunteers all over the the breaking news and ‘behind the membership, our younger Improved member and customer country all under the governance scenes’ insights before general PEACE OF MIND AND REAL members also enjoy big discounts • Members can easily control their experience by introducing of a Regional Management Board release as well as recognition for any PROTECTION on Netball Youth Camps own data and how it is used ZenDesk in February 2020 to or County Netball Association. The noteworthy achievements or news Our programme of insurance is organised by England Netball manage incoming queries. The registered leagues are also the entry- sent in from members. There is also not only more comprehensive and access to ‘money can’t buy’ • Provides regions, counties, clubs platform includes an online chat level for the pathway to achieve an a regular members e-newsletter but clearer and easier to access experiences like the opportunity and leagues with automatic function and Help Centre. We have invitation to a playoff to gain access allowing members ‘first sight’ on than ever before when used for to be a mascot for our Vitality access to absorb information seen a 100% satisfaction score on to higher levels of competition. news and announcements and recognised and authorised netball Roses at showcase fixtures. relating to all individuals and live chat and are committed to benefit from offers and privileges. activities, providing public and organisations under their remit further improvements in member PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT products liability, professional experience across the business. OPPORTUNITIES DISCOUNTED TICKETS WITH indemnity, personal accident • Safeguarding and GDPR England Netball membership PRIORITY BOOKING cover and even management protection unlocks access to courses Every England Netball member liability for group members.

28 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 29 MARKETING AND COMMERCIAL Communications and PR 25m 119m £65m

Our PR and Communications team have built strong relationships with Items Reach Value journalists – both in sports media and Digital lifestyle outlets, which has supported Particular diligence was applied to Increased consideration has been much of the growth in coverage preparing for the Vitality Netball given to England Netball match events Media Format 2018/19 2019/20 Increase and reach seen. With a deliberate World Cup 2019, and with strong this year, to ensure that journalists Instagram Followers 54,516 87,904 61% shift in focus towards more lifestyle media relationships already in want to attend, and are keen to return.

Facebook Followers 57,614 68,811 19% outlets, we have landed features place we were able to exceed our We created professional media packs in Vogue, Women’s Health, Elle, tournament coverage target within and improved our media areas which Twitter Followers 59,894 70,330 17% Good Housekeeping, Hello! and OK! the first two days of the 10-day has led to more positive feedback YouTube Subscribers 1,074 2,806 161% in January 2019 and the site magazines plus many more. tournament. from this sector than ever before.

Website Page Views 359,903 488,391 37% now has a focus on high quality imagery, feeling much more like a lifestyle site. We also simplified HIGHLIGHTS Our in-house digital team have content planning, we made sure to the homepage and menu options continued to push the England capitalise on the event - seeing huge, to ensure users can find what they • Creating the first • Vitality Roses players Vitality Roses Head events with branded Netball digital landscape forward. sudden growth across all our channels. need in a much shorter time. This England Netball PR featured on popular Coach mixed zones and media Consistently delivering exceptional will continue to develop in line with and Communications- children’s television guides and appealing content while creating Our design output has developed the England Netball brand and specific strategy programme ‘Blue Peter’ • Hosted a number of new ways to increase engagement. throughout the year and we now work on improving our customer promoting the launch successful media days • Developed the England Thanks to this, we’ve again seen consistently deliver high-end assets experience online will never stop. • At the Vitality Netball of Bee Netball with positive feedback Netball member strong growth across all our channels, and campaigns, as evidenced by our World Cup 2019, across the from players and media magazine - 5TH QTR - with a huge spike on Instagram. work leading up to and surrounding In the coming year, a new 10 year tournament, we achieved • Held our first public personnel to become a lifestyle the Vitality Netball Nations Cup. digital ‘Adventure Strategy’ will be 8,225 items, 96.49 million press conference sports magazine The Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 developed which focusses on new reach and £18.22 million in to announced Jess • Improved the media was a fantastic opportunity for We launched the new technology and how we can utilise it exposure value Thirlby as the new experience at key England Netball and with meticulous englandnetball.co.uk website to continue our growth.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Vitality Netball • Our link with the England • Launched new announced to the public World Cup 2019 squad Lionesses football team englandnetball.co.uk by Jess Thirlby reading a announcement video. It was further developed, site in January 2019 “Roses Christmas Carol” used archive photos of both teams supporting resulting in an increase the players to show their each other across digital in page views • Launched our GIPHY journeys and was narrated channels throughout the channel by Serena Guthrie year. We also continued • Enhanced website good social relationships content including • International Women’s Day • High quality, player- with England Hockey and “Where it All Began” campaign video, featuring led video content the ECB that had been and “The premier league the Corbin sisters throughout the Vitality established through the in focus”, two editorial Netball World Cup 2019 TeamUp initiative series that focused • In March we reacted on the Roses’ player very quickly to the • Many celebrities • Jess Thirlby was journeys and the Premier dramatic changes from outside of announced as the new League respectively caused by COVID-19 netball reacted to the Vitality Roses Head Coach, creating a new content tournament, including via a “Question of Sport • The Vitality Netball plan for immediate David Beckham mystery guest”-style video. Nations Cup squad was implementation

30 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 31 Sponsorship

Our sponsor partners have grown in stature beyond recognition over the last five years and we now boast the following brands with whom we enjoy valuable partnerships:

TICKETING

The 2019/20 season saw record- Netball history. In the first 24 hours and the ease with which supporters breaking results for England of sale, the Vitality Netball Nations can now purchase tickets resulted Netball’s ticket platform in many Cup sold 7,709 tickets and when in a new record attendance for any ways – sales quantity and revenue compared with last year’s equivalent one-day event in UK netball history. being the most important but event, the 2019 Vitality Netball Quad After just four weeks of sales, the aligned with our digital marketing Series, this represents an increase of 2020 Vitality Netball Superleague strategies the speed at which 228%. As an early indicator of how Grand Final had already reached we sold tickets for each major sought-after the tickets for this event 81% of capacity and looked certain event has been a success story would turn out to be, the first day of to set yet another new record before of its own. Figures relating to the the event was held at Nottingham’s the event was cancelled due to the Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 are Motorpoint Arena – the first netball COVID-19 pandemic, however our detailed on page 7, headlined by event here in almost a decade – and ticketing platform then provided a For each of our partnerships, we were firmly on the Vitality Netball also launched the ‘We Are Rising’ 112,196 sales representing a near 50% of available supporter tickets quick and easy way of refunding all are able to offer exposure to a World Cup 2019 as our partners’ campaign where they pledged to sell-out event and the ticketing in Nottingham were sold in the first our supporters. unique demographic of audience. attention turned to supporting the fund one person to obtain a UKCC budget thus being exceeded by 12 hours of sale. Moreover, at the Furthermore, there is a clear message World Cup on home soil. Level 1 Assistant Coach Qualification some £820,000. peak of ticket sales activity 1,112 Hospitality Tickets sold out at that the brands with whom we for every 100 goals scored during individuals purchased at once with a all major events with increased partner are genuinely interested in Vitality showed their continued the Vitality Netball World Cup 2019 – As well as the Vitality Netball World sales rate of 95 tickets per minute, an demand following a newly-packaged bringing opportunity to our members support and increased commitment the tournament ended with 114 new Cup 2019, every event hosted by unprecedented rate of sales for any corporate and supporter upgrade – so that our iconic relationships are in our sport as they became title coaches who graduated through the England Netball saw year-on-year netball event ever held in this country. offer. In an additional venture, we not just mutually beneficial between partner of the Vitality Netball Legacy Programme. improvement using ticketing as a introduced online ticket portals for the brands themselves but to all our World Cup 2019 investing heavily measure of judgement. Only last More groundbreaking progress commercial partners to manage members and participants too. in sponsorship and activation of Jaffa Fruit, Red Bull and The Army year, the Vitality Netball Superleague was seen at the Vitality Netball their ticket allocations. Vitality were the event. Vitality helped bring the also supported the Vitality Netball Season Opener had set new records Superleague Season Opener 2020. the first to take advantage of this Following an incredible 2018/19 tournament to life with the incredible World Cup 2019 and provided various but this year that record was Last year’s event took eleven weeks new functionality and such was where we renewed our partnership branding of the huge wheel in activations and entertainment in the surpassed by the Vitality Netball to hit 3,500 ticket sales – this year its success that we are now in a with Vitality and announced six Liverpool which soon became a focal Fan Park where over 100,000 fans Nations Cup – now both the fastest the feat was achieved in the first position to roll out to all our other new partnerships including global point for the hundreds of thousands visited over the 10 days. and best-selling event in England week alone. Popularity for this event commercial partners. brands Nike and Red Bull, all eyes of fans who visited the city. Vitality

32 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 33 Merchandising GOVERNANCE, SAFEGUARDING & COMPLIANCE

Our range of licensed merchandising continues to develop into a strong brand and has gradually established an identity within the sportswear Equality & Diversity marketplace. Since partnering with Nike in 2018, consumer demand for England Netball continues to be England Netball merchandise has grown a committed ‘Stonewall Diversity exponentially. The combination of Nike’s Champion’ not just outwardly but desirable brand and the strategic move with a real ambition to have values to transition the England Netball Store ingrained within the organisation to a new third party logistics (3PL) has that can spread throughout the resulted in significant increases in sales. wider netball community through Furthermore, Netball UK, the largest our members. netball retailer in the UK were appointed as our event retailer, delivering a wide Once again we proudly variety of merchandise and great demonstrated support for LGBT customer service. equality in sport by taking part in Stonewall’s award-winning In July 2019, we partnered with ‘Rainbow Laces’ campaign Kitlocker.com to act as the 3PL for the in November and December England Netball Store. This strategic 2019. Methods of promoting move has enabled us to become more the campaign included staff agile in our working and offerings, engagement through wearing and has resulted in a much-enhanced laces in the office as well as social customer experience. Not only does it media campaigning nationally offer a platform for our replica kit but it and locally. Gaining the furthest also enables us to sell and distribute our reach we coordinated Vitality • offering an interview to people this rating we strive to continually programme products, such as Bee Netball Roses players posting support with disabilities improve. To this end, we have and Netball First. We are therefore - for videos on social media and being planned a series of improvements the first time - able to retail a huge array interviewed on Sky regarding • anticipating and providing and have already bought in the of products, covering everything from involvement, their personal reasonable adjustments as CPSU – an arm of the NSPCC clothing, , umpire whistles, rule support and the campaign in required set up exclusively for the sports books and netball rebounders. general. To complement this industry – to deliver tailored activity we brought in our • supporting any existing Safeguarding training to the Board The standout categories this year partners Stonewall to deliver employee who acquires a members of England Netball. have been Bee Netball and Umpiring tailored LGBT Inclusion Training disability or long term health and Officiating products. Bee Netball to the England Netball Board and condition, enabling them to excelled by offering unique, beautiful then later to England Netball staff. stay in work Governance & Compliance products that engage and excite our younger audience, whilst Umpiring and England Netball continues to be • at least one activity that will Over the last year we have rolled Officiating skyrocketed with launching signed up and committed to the make a difference for disabled out a comprehensive programme a new Nike “Team White” range with a ‘Disability Confident Committed’ people of Disciplinary Regulations wide variety of umpire equipment. scheme. As a Disability Training to County and Regional Confident Committed Employer Disciplinary Secretaries and Panel Since moving to Kitlocker.com, the we have committed to: Safeguarding members to support with their total sales going through the England confidence in running effective Netball Store increased by 293% in just • ensure our recruitment process This year England Netball were disciplinary processes in line with eight months. This is incredibly exciting is inclusive and accessible rated as ‘Good’ in the Child the overarching England Netball for us as we still consider this venture Protection in Sport Units (CPSU) Policy. The ongoing work in this in the early stages and we will only • communicating and promoting annual Safeguarding audit and area will lead to robust handling grow from this point. vacancies whilst we are happy to receive of disciplinary procedures.

34 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 35 Financial Review

This year England Netball has prepared consolidated During the year we invested substantially into the Income Expenditure financial statements that include the results, assets infrastructure of Competition and Events, primarily the and liabilities of its subsidiary Netball World Cup 2019 Vitality Netball Superleague, with the creation of a new Income for the year, excluding NWC 2019 Ltd, was £11.4 Total expenditure for the year, excluding NWC 2019 Ltd, Limited (“NWC 2019 Ltd”). The Vitality Netball World department responsible for building and delivering a million compared to the previous year of £11.2 million, was £11.2 million, an increase of £0.8 million compared Cup 2019 (VNWC2019) took place in July 2019. The new strategy encompassing all competitions from the an increase of £0.2 million (+2%). This growth was to the previous year. This was driven primarily by information in this review relates to England Netball Vitality Netball Superleague to grassroots. delivered despite a reduction in Sport England core increased headcount costs (£0.6 million). These costs financial results and excludes NWC 2019 Ltd. funding of over £1.1 million compared to the previous increased largely because: England Netball’s strategy to reduce its reliance on year. So in fact England Netball grew its self-generated This was the third year of the current four year Sport core public funding is being achieved. Last year we revenues by £1.4 million. This growth was largely due • Seven new roles across the business including Director England funding cycle, the financial plan and budget generated 50% of our total revenue from our own to commercial revenues from ticket sales for domestic and resource for Competition and Events team was to deliver a break even position. The final result sources and this year we delivered 61%. In real terms and international events (+£0.4 million), sponsorship was c. £0.2 million surplus; a great outcome in what has this was an increase from £5.7 million to £7.0 million. and merchandise (+£0.2 million), delivery of VNWC2019 • Less vacancies throughout the year compared to the been another very exciting year for the organisation. related events, surplus distribution and recharges previous year (Average 3 v 11) This result will enable the organisation to continue The main drivers behind this increase include ticket sales (+£0.4 million), delivery of netball activity (+£0.2 million) to develop and become financially sustainable into for all events across the calendar, additional sponsorship and the England Nets Event (+£0.1 million). • Pay increase (+2%) and increase to pension the future as well as ensuring that we are adhering to deals, new merchandise range and funding received for contribution from 3% to 5% for all employees our Reserves Policy. The coming year is going to be a VNWC2019 legacy events delivered by England Netball. There was a small decrease in membership revenue, huge challenge due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 however there was an increase in the overall There was also an additional £0.2 million invested into pandemic which has necessitated the suspension of all The chart below shows how this trend has been positive membership numbers, due to the category of delivery of netball at all levels of the game with some netball activity. overall in the previous ten years of operating. membership being taken. All junior categories and efficiency savings within Support and Infrastructure the Social and Supporting membership numbers all (£0.1 million). increased. The largest increase was in the Social and Growth of Non-Grant Income Supporting with 578% increase (2,876 v 424) after that £7m Staff Costs Delivery Costs Support & Infrastructure it was the U18 category with a 4.3% growth. £6m £1.7 m £2.0 m £5m All Grants Membership Commercial & Other £1.8 m £1.6 m £4m

£4.3 m £5.3 m £3m £2.5 m £2.8 m £2.0 m £3.9 m £4.4 m £5.1 m £2m £1.9 m £2.4 m £2.4 m £1m £2.4 m £4.6 m £3.9 m £4.2 m £0m £3.6 m 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 £6.7 m £6.0 m £6.0 m £5.1 m 2017 2018 2019 2020

All surplus money is invested back into netball whether During the year NWC 2019 Ltd generated income and 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 directly in frontline delivery or indirectly to enhance expenditure of £4.0 million (2019: £0.5 million). As at the customer journey and advance our technology 31 March 2020 NWC 2019 Ltd had net assets of £NIL infrastructure. This additional money secured in our (2019: £NIL). Income was largely ticket revenues and The next year will not be as originally planned as we reserves will help to support the difficult period we costs were event delivery costs. navigate our way through the stages of returning to are currently experiencing with COVID-19 and a severe train and to play. The impact will most likely be felt for reduction to our planned income levels. some time financially. However we look forward and are developing our next ten year strategy to cover the period of 2021-31.

36 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 37 Balance Sheet

At the end of the year England Netball maintains a very healthy cash position of £5.0 million; a decrease of £1.7 million compared to the previous year due to NWC 2019 Ltd. General reserves increased from £2.4 million to £2.6 million. The Netball World Cup reserve has been released back into the General reserve as it is no longer required. Our reserves policy states that we require a full six months operating expenditure to be held as a minimum which equates to just in excess of £2 million based on current commitments, therefore we have now met this requirement.

ENGLAND NETBALL RESERVES £3.0m

£2.5m

£2.0m

£1.5m

£1.0m

£0.5m

£0.0m 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20

“Another year, another set CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (KEY ITEMS) of fantastic achievements both on and off the court for 2019/20 2018/19 England Netball. The year £000’s £000’s was buoyed by the amazing Fixed Assets 285 202 World Cup event on home soil. Current Assets Thankfully we have a stable Cash 4,974 6,669 financial footing to be able Debtors 955 2,251 to steer our way through this Liabilities next year with all its unknowns Creditors 3,579 6,731 but I am sure that we will be Net Current Assets 2,350 2,189 back bigger and better than Net Assets 2,635 2,391 ever. As ever a huge thank you General Reserve 2,635 2,391 to all involved in delivering these amazing results.” The large movements between the years is due to – Emma Fielding, Director of Finance VNWC2019. and Corporate Resources

38 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 ENGLAND NETBALL | ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 39 England Netball SportPark 3 Oakwood Drive Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 3QF

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