Oldham Netball Club celebrated a record tenth Premier League title win – and their sixth consecutive championship – in 2022-23.
Not only does the club have an incredible record of securing the highest accolade for the top-level amateur competition in the country – 10 of the past eleven seasons – but also has a rich history of developing some of the country’s leading netballers both in the Netball Super League and on the world stage.
Speaking after securing top spot, Head Coach Debbie Hallas said: “I am emotionally drained after a long season and that finish, but I am so proud of this young team who have built confidence through the season learning from more experienced players.
“That is what our club is all about – nurturing youngsters to develop and bringing the best out of everyone on court. I want to thank every single player who is part of this team and Oldham Netball Club as a whole, along with every parent, every coach, every sponsor and everyone who plays such an important role in making us what we are.
“To achieve ten out of eleven titles is a phenomenal achievement and shows the talent we have at our club; a club that plays such an important role in developing the young players of today so that some of them, we hope, can become the Super League and international stars of tomorrow.”
Here we shine a spotlight on just 10 athletes who have not only played key roles in securing the record 10 titles but have been nurtured and developed by Oldham on their netball journeys.
Almond has been an ever-present in Oldham’s success – not only playing in all 10 of the seasons in which they’ve finished top but serving as club captain throughout this time.
The goal keeper is a firm fan favourite and Manchester Thunder legend with four Netball Super League (NSL) titles to her name and re-signed to represent the club for a record 14th season in 2023.
Having been at Oldham since the age of 12, Almond was twice capped for England in 2012.
Malcolm was a key regular member of the squad, playing in eight of the 10 title-winning seasons to date.
In addition to her success with Oldham, the midcourt triple threat is one of the most decorated players in NSL history having won four titles with Manchester Thunder (2012, 2014, 2019 and 2022), before moving to Trident Homes Tactix in New Zealand for her domestic netball this year.
The Vitality Rose has won 53 caps for her country and made her Commonwealth Games debut in 2022.
Turner contributed to eight of Oldham’s 10 seasons in which they’ve lifted the trophy to date, before finishing playing to start a family.
She was also a consistent performer in the NSL, spending her entire career with Manchester Thunder having made her first appearance at the age of 15. She evolved into a serial winner, retiring with three titles to her name (2012, 2014 and 2019) and was named in the league’s All-Star VII at the NSL Awards in 2017.
Throughout seven of Oldham’s 10 title-winning seasons, defender Dovey was crucial to the club’s success thanks to her leadership, experience and skills.
Having hung up her dress after 13 seasons with Manchester Thunder, the three-time NSL winner (2012, 2014 and 2019) and former captain has made a sensational return in 2023 – and even recorded her 200th appearance for the club at Netball Manchester Live.
At an international level, she has won five caps for the Vitality Roses.
McAndrew is Oldham through and through having turned out for the club since she was just 11 years old.
A Premier League stalwart, the wing attack has played a considerable role in nine of the 10 title-winning campaigns – missing one season due to starting a family.
She’s also enjoyed success on the Super League stage, taking away a winners’ medal with Northern Thunder in 2012.
Oldham was central to Enziano’s development with her having played for the club from the age of 12. She was part of eight of the Premier League team’s successes to date before she finished due to injury.
Additionally, Enziano has two NSL titles under her belt having represented Manchester Thunder from 2010 to 2015.
In 2009, she was a member of the England Netball squad that travelled to Gibraltar for the Europe Netball U17 Championships and took home the gold medal.
McKevitt, who plays wing defence and centre, has been involved in seven of the 10 championship-winning seasons.
A five-time NPL (Netball Performance League) champion, she came up through the ranks of the Manchester Thunder pathway. She’s gained NSL experience with London Pulse and Strathclyde Sirens before returning to her home team for the 2023 campaign.
She has already won silverware for England, having previously been crowned a Europe Netball U19 champion, and was named in the Future Roses programme for the first time for 2022-23.
Midcourter Whitehead has played for Oldham for five of the seasons in which they’ve been crowned champions.
She also plays mixed netball for NW Spartans Netball Club and the England Men’s & Mixed Netball Association (EMMNA).
Recently, she was part of the Spartans squad which faced Knights Netball in the curtain raiser at Netball Manchester Live 2023. She was also vice-captain for the EMMNA Mixed team’s international fixture against France Women with England securing a resounding 70-14 win.
Shooter Clinton has featured in eight of the 10 title-winning seasons to date for her local club.
Having represented the Manchester Thunder pathway across three age groups in the NPL, she made her NSL debut in 2016 and has since had spells with Loughborough Lightning, Celtic Dragons and Leeds Rhinos before returning home to Thunder.
Internationally, she played for the England U21 squad that won the Europe Netball title in 2016 and bronze at the Netball World Youth Cup in 2017.
Goal shooter Parker has taken to the court for Oldham over the last three seasons.
She’s also starred in the NPL for Manchester Thunder and has been elevated to their Super League squad of 12 for 2023.
At an international level, she’s been in the Roses Academy setup for two seasons – serving as vice-captain for the England Invitational Squad at the U17 Europe Netball event in 2022 – and is eligible for selection for the U21 Netball World Youth Cup in 2025.
To keep up-to-date with everything going on at Oldham Netball Club and as the Premier League 1 team prepare for the new season over the summer, follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Feeling inspired? There are nearly 3,000 netball clubs across England meaning there’s always plenty of opportunity to get out and play. Whether you want to play competitively, learn from top coaches, or make new friends, you’ll be sure to find the right club for you.
For the latest on the Netball Super League and where you can see some of our featured 10 athletes in action, visit the official league website.
