Beyond the Net

Supporting the next generation of netball talent

Netball continues to thrive at Loughborough High School, with pupils enjoying success on court alongside opportunities to develop their game beyond regular training and competition.

Recent successes include the Year 10 team being crowned Leicestershire County champions after a 20–8 victory in the final, while the Year 8 team secured silver in their age group.

Behind that success sits a wider commitment to developing talented young players. Through the Netball Player Pathway, philanthropic support is helping provide opportunities beyond regular school coaching, giving some of LHS’s most promising netballers access to specialist support designed to develop them both on and off the court.

During 2025/26, eight pupils took part in the Pathway, benefiting from additional group and individual coaching, specialist strength and conditioning, sports psychology and support around nutrition and wider athlete development.

Supporting the whole athlete

Developing a young athlete involves much more than time on court. An important focus of the Pathway is helping pupils understand the wider factors that can influence their development, performance and wellbeing.

This year, regular sports psychology and specialist strength and conditioning have been complemented by access to expertise from Loughborough University. Pupils have explored nutrition and female athlete health, including menstrual cycles, energy availability, body image and nutrition around training.

As Head of Netball, Ella Clark, explains:

“It’s about more than just coaching. We’re trying to offer the kind of wraparound development that elite athletes get: strength and conditioning, nutrition workshops, and sessions on topics like sports psychology and female health.”

Donations making a difference

The generosity of our alumni and supporter community is helping talented young netballers develop beyond regular school coaching. Thanks to those who choose to support sport at LSF, opportunities like these can grow.

Donations to sport have supported new netball dresses, balls, bibs and agility equipment, as well as specialist Pathway kit, umpiring and the additional expertise that helps players develop both on and off the court.

Together, this support has contributed to a marked improvement in players’ individual skill levels and understanding of the game over the past year.

Looking ahead

The ambition is to continue building on the progress of the Netball Player Pathway and the support available to talented players both on and off the court.

With strong links to Loughborough University and the wider professional game, alongside the specialist support already available through the Pathway, LHS is creating an environment in which talented young netballers can develop their skills, knowledge and confidence and make the most of their potential.