Europe Netball has joined forces with the Netball Players Association (NPA) to launch a pioneering Level 2 Coaching Course specifically designed for elite players. This new initiative will allow current and former athletes to achieve their lead coach qualification while balancing their playing commitments, with the course offering the flexibility needed for their demanding schedules. The tailored curriculum combines the expertise of Europe Netball and the NPA, creating an interactive learning experience focused on the strategic, technical, and practical aspects of coaching. Delivered by our experienced Europe Netball coach educators, Anita Navin and Maggie Jackson, - both renowned for their international and Super League coaching roles - the course is designed to equip players with the essential skills to transition into coaching and enhance their coaching abilities alongside their playing careers.
Sarah Gandon, Director of Player Services at the NPA, spoke about the impact of the course, saying, “Our players already have an advanced understanding of the game, but the course gives them the skills to coach it—something that's a separate skill in itself. The flexibility and high-quality content of this course, developed alongside Europe Netball, will provide our members with an excellent experience and the tools to thrive as future coaches.” Anita Navin, Europe Netball Coach Development Chair and co-tutor for this course emphasised the significance of the collaboration, saying, ‘Europe Netball is thrilled to be working with the NPA to support athletes in obtaining their lead coaching award. Both Maggie and I truly believe in a fast track and bespoke programme for athletes in our game. This course will meet the needs of full-time athletes and we both look forward to tutoring this first NPA cohort. We look forward to developing our partnership further with the NPA and supporting where we can in the future.
Maggie Jackson, Europe Netball Chair of Events and co-tutor for this course shared the importance of engaging elite athletes in this course, saying, "It is so important for young players to have role models, such as High Performance Athletes to develop their skills and understanding of the game and that is why I am delighted that these full time athletes want to engage in their own learning to develop their coaching to benefit and add value to future netball players in Europe. I am very much looking forward to being part of the tutoring team". This fast-track coaching program has been tailored to build on and recognise athletes’ extensive netball experience, helping them to transition into coaching with confidence. Supporting athletes in their transition into coaching is vital for the sport’s long-term growth. As role models, athletes have the unique ability to inspire and motivate the next generation.
Athletes will be exposed to leadership and coaching behaviour which underpin and enhance learning in a game based coaching environment, providing those undertaking this award with added knowledge around practice design, solution-finding activities and most of all how to modify activities to build player confidence and support learning. So far 22 athletes have signed up for our first course starting in February 2025. We have also offered two bursaries to support individuals who may not have been able to complete the award otherwise. This partnership marks a significant step forward in supporting elite players, ensuring that their expertise is passed on to inspire future generations of netball talent. We look forward to commencing the course and continuing our partnership with the NPA.