The Global Legacy of the Netball World Cup

The Netball World Cup 2019 itself is a 10-day tournament, but the legacy of the event will be long-lasting thanks to a global legacy project, Net2019.

Funded by UK Sport, and delivered by England Netball in partnership with the International Netball Federation, Net2019 aims to provide coaching advice and facilitated netball sessions to empower women and girls through the power of netball and the legacy of the Netball World Cup 2019.

The ambition is global but the scheme is placing an emphasis on two key territories, Africa and South America – continents where netball is rapidly gaining influence. Predominantly NET2019’s work is centred in Zambia and Argentina. Here it is working with each of the country’s netball associations to develop the provision of netball at grassroots levels, whilst also supporting the development of talent and high performance programmes, proven to raise the profile of the sport within their communities.

In Argentina, England Netball Coach Educators have already been holding Level 1 coaching courses for representatives, facilitating opportunities to raise the profile of netball in the country through introductory courses and engagement with educational institutions. Representatives within this cohort will then be identified to continue the training of netball coaches within the region.

Whilst efforts in South America are concentrating on grassroots development, in Zambia NET2019 is  working directly with the national side and its coaches, aiding the development of their high performance coaching, as well as developing links between charity groups focused on community development, lobbying support across government, sports councils and other charities.

England Netball Coach, Danielle Lewis Collins, is leading the first Zambian project from 9-12 July 2018, working with the team prior to, and during the Africa Championships. The African Championships take place from 13-18 August 2018 and will be the region’s qualifying tournament for the Netball World Cup 2019.  Zambia will be supported throughout the event by England Netball, both on location and via distance mentoring, and NWC2019 will be inviting two Zambian coaches to attend the World Cup for demonstrating progress through the programme.

The legacy projectbegan in October 2017 and will see an overall investment of £90,000 over the three years, building towards the Netball World Cup in 2019.

England Netball’s Head of Coaching, Sian Foley-Corah said about the project;

“England Netball is delighted to be supporting the development of netball across Argentina and Zambia. We know only too well that netball is a powerful tool in developing physical and mental wellbeing, and can be the catalyst for positive change in the lives of women and girls.  We are excited to see the continued impact of this work and showcase the power of the Netball World Cup in the legacy of the sport around the world.”

Clare Briegal, CEO of the International Netball Federation concludes:

“We are thrilled that this legacy project is targeting territories where we can make real and lasting impact and are delighted with the progress made so far.  Both these schemes will help grow the participation of netball on a large scale and create a much-needed sustainable infrastructure.  This aligns perfectly with our development goals and our mission to bring communities together to empower them through netball.”