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Hannah Blackman in action for ENC Prem 3 vs Charnwood
Exeter Netball compete in top flight England Netball Premier League 3
Exeter Netball have won the Netball South West League for the past 2 seasons, qualifying for Premier League 3 playoffs on their 2nd attempt. Now up and running in their new national league with 2 wins under their belt Exeter continue their season with the overall aim of securing their spot once again next season.
Exeter Netball is a partnership between the University of Exeter and Exeter Netball Club with the University of Exeter Netball Performance Programme athletes well represented across the Premier League 3 and Regional League 1 squad. The University supports the performance section of Exeter Netball with training and playing facilities for both senior sides and travel for the Premier 3 side. With Exeter being the only side in Devon and Cornwall who are represented anywhere in the England Netball Premier Leagues Exeter Netball provides an important opportunity for talented players to access the highest level of weekend netball, which for the University students involved complements the BUCS Netball competition structure.
The University of Exeter is also partnered with the Team Bath Netball franchise who run a hub and academy at the University which includes court sessions and S&C delivery. Accustomed to supporting talented athletes within the University of Exeter’s Performance Programme but also externally via TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) whom University of Exeter are a delivery site for support services, the Team Bath partnership adds value to the University Netball Performance offer for prospective students.
Both University students and local players in the England Netball and Team Bath franchise performance pathway have benefitted from this partnership. Take a look below to hear from Hannah Barnes, Rachael Fee and Hannah Blackman on how Exeter Netball has been part of their netball playing journey…
“I have been part of Exeter Netball for 9 years now having started in the High Fives and have loved every minute of playing for the club. As I transitioned into the older age groups I was given the opportunity to volunteer as a coach. This was coaching the High Fives alongside a level 2 coach. The club then helped me through my level 1 coaching course and I became head coach for the U12 section. This was all alongside the opportunity to play up an age group into the senior section with the Regional1 team. I am now a level 2 coach, still coaching within the club as well as playing with the Premier 3 squad. I have also just started at University of Exeter as a student so now I have the full benefit of the 2 clubs coming together as a partnership of “Exeter Netball”. Hannah Barnes BSc Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Exeter
I have played for Team Bath for the past 3 seasons at U17, U19 and then at the end of last season I was brought into the U21 squad for the NPL tournament. I am also playing for Exeter Netball in the Prem 3 side this season and have been selected to captain the Exeter College 1st team, where we hope to make colleges and schools national finals. Over the past 4 years I have been working towards getting selected for the England National Academy and last year I was successful in gaining a place with the U19 England Roses. To add to the excitement I was then selected to go on tour with the squad to Australia and New Zealand, which was absolutely amazing. I’ve recently been selected for the Netball Youth World Cup long squad and made it into the Netball Europe U21 squad which takes place from 3rd-6th October. I was over the moon! I wouldn’t have got to where I am if it wasn’t for the amazing support from Denise (University of Exeter Head of Netball) and my team mates who have pushed me to work hard. The Team Bath and TASS S&C sessions have helped me to stay fit and injury free, along with the support from England Netball who always make sure I am looked after”. Rachael Fee, BTEC Sports Science, Exeter College
“During my time at University of Exeter I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to become involved with all aspects of netball. I have umpired, helped coach some shooting specific sessions for the BUCS teams and last year was on the University of Exeter Netball Club (EUNC) committee as the Welfare Officer. Also for 2 years I was a member of the Team Bath U21 National Performance League (NPL) squad and was vice captain last year. As well as this I have loved playing for Exeter Netball Club and EUNC, with a definite highlight being achieving promotion for both teams last year into England Netball Premier 3 league and BUCS Premier South. I can’t wait to see what we can do this season”. Hannah Blackman MA Conflict, Security and Development, University of Exeter
Please come and support Exeter Netball at their remaining Premier League 3 home games this season. All played in the Sports hall at the University of Exeter Sports Park:
Sunday 10th November 11.30am start: Exeter Netball Prem 3 vs Clan
Sunday 1st December 11.30am start: Exeter Netball Prem 3 vs Eclipse
Sunday 8th December 11.30am start: Exeter Netball Prem 3 vs Thoroughbreds
Sunday 2nd February 11.30am start: Exeter Netball Prem 3 vs Billericay
Sunday 16th February 11.30am start: Exeter Netball Prem 3 vs TFC
Sunday 8th March 11.30am start: Exeter Netball Prem 3 vs Essex Open
Date: 7 November 2019