England Netball and the British Army have today announced a two-year extension to their existing relationship, which will now continue to 2023.
Having first come together in January 2019, the British Army has supported the Netball Family across elite and grassroots activities, sharing valuable insights around leadership, teamwork and motivation – values which underpin both organisations at all levels.
As title partner of the National Schools Finals and National Club Finals, the Army has worked with England Netball to support its younger athletes (from 12 – 18 years old) and inspire the next generation of netballers. The Army has coordinated school engagement days to build on students’ teamwork, determination and physical fitness and soldiers have often been seen supporting international netball events.
Recognising the importance of physical activity and mental wellbeing, the Army also delivered a huge range of online fitness workouts alongside the Vitality Roses to help keep England Netball members active during national lockdowns over the last 18 months, as well as webinars on motivation and leadership via England Netball’s Virtual Netball Club offering.
At an elite level, the Army has supported the Vitality Roses in camp with unique teambuilding exercises and activities in previous camps.
July will also see the Army delivering an engagement day with Guildford High School now that COVID restrictions are easing. Guildford High School were the winners of the England Netball National Schools U16 competition in 2019. The occasion will see the Army attend the school and deliver a range of netball and Army based leadership activities for the team and their peers to participate in.
CEO of England Netball, Fran Connolly, said: “It feels like a very fitting opportunity to celebrate our relationship with the British Army ahead of tomorrow’s Armed Forces Day. We have had the benefit of their support in inspiring and engaging with young girls through our competitions such as National Schools and Clubs in recent years which have helped instil confidence, the importance of working together as a team and how physical activity can really give you the edge in many of life’s challenges. Something we can all continue to embrace as we go through life, and values which mirror many of ours at England Netball.”
Major General David Eastman MBE, General Officer Commanding Regional Command added: “The British Army is delighted to renew this important relationship with England Netball. It is an organisation that demonstrates all the qualities of teamwork, determination and physical fitness that are also qualities hugely important to us in the Army. Sport and teamwork play a vital role in developing our people, so we are immensely proud to continue working with them.”
To find out more about the British Army, visit the official website and follow @BritishArmy, @ArmyEngagement and @Army_Netball on Twitter.
