The Gateley Gateway to Netball will see Birmingham Panthers’ players and coaches deliver elite on-court training sessions combined with expert guidance on nutrition and fitness to hundreds of children, starting with five underserved schools across Birmingham, Worcester and Coventry - reflecting the venues for Birmingham Panthers’ home fixtures this coming season.
The programme will give many pupils their first exposure to netball and aims to inspire a new generation of players as the sport continues its rapid growth following the restructure of the Netball Super League.
The first Gateley Gateway to Netball session was delivered at Welsh House Farm Community School in Harborne, Birmingham, by Birmingham Panthers stars Gabby Coffey and Charli Fidler.
Pupils were able to quiz team nutritionist Caroline Tarnowski who shared expert tips on nutrition to get them fuelled for sport and to help them make the right food choices more generally, before being given a masterclass of different netball drills and skills to fast-track their game.
The programme was also supported by the Pakistan Netball Academy, which was set up two years ago to tackle under-representation and offers help, support and advice for girls who want to enjoy the sport.
Fifty-six per cent of pupils at Welsh House Farm Community School have a first language which is not English, while 71 per cent of pupils are eligible for free school meals.
Will Collinson, CEO of Birmingham Panthers, said: “For us, it’s simple, netball can change lives.
“It gives kids confidence, community, and a place to belong. Working with Gateley means we can open up more opportunities for more young people across the region, and that’s exactly what this club is here to do.”
Merran Sewell, partner at Gateley, added: “As a business with a rich history in Birmingham, we are always looking at ways to be a positive force in society and the communities we serve.
“Netball is a fantastic way for children and adults to keep active, embrace teamwork and boost their confidence, so to see youngsters taking part today who might not have had the opportunity to otherwise play is very rewarding.”
The remaining sessions will be delivered over the coming months ahead of the start of the 2025/26 Netball Super League season which kicks off when Birmingham Panthers host Leeds Rhinos on 28 February at University of Worcester Arena.
Earlier this month, Gateley and Birmingham Panthers announced a two-season extension to their partnership, following a successful debut Netball Super League campaign.
