ABOUT US

Netball West Midlands is at the centre of the region’s game, providing netball opportunities for all, forever. From grassroots to national level. Participate, partner us, get support.
Do snatch! Take it with both hands. Grasp our game. Embrace building friendships, skills and teamwork.

ABOUT THE Region

West Midlands Netball is one of the 9 Regional Units representing the sport across England. Working as a team of staff alongside our County and Regional Management Boards, we are a passionate, and energised group of people from many disciplines, who develop and facilitate the delivery of all aspects of netball throughout the West Midlands.

We support clubs and players, officials, coaches and volunteers. We help people get back into netball and are working hard to make netball a game for life via the Regional Performance Pathway. We are here to increase enjoyment and participation, to raise the standard of netball, officiating and coaching from grassroots to national level in the 7 areas we govern – Birmingham, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, South Staffordshire and the Black Country, Shropshire & Warwickshire.

Teamwork, togetherness and inclusivity are key to our netball family, so please get involved! We’d love to hear your questions, suggestions and news. We are based in the Walsall Campus Sports Centre at the University of Wolverhampton. Get in touch with us, via our contact us page or engage with our social channels.

Let’s get this game on!

Emma Payne – Regional Officer
Tel: 07595 086750
Email: west.midlands@englandnetball.co.uk

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MEET THE
Regional Management BOARD

Kerrie Jones
Kerrie Jones
Regional Chair
EN_N.WM_S.M_FULL LOGO
Vacant Position
Treasurer
Zena Johnston
Zena Johnston
Regional Officiating Lead
amy
Amy Bell
Volunteer Lead
CD
Callum Dashfield
Marketing and Communications Lead
CS
Claire Sanders
Performance Lead
HM
Hayley Myles
Competition Lead
AO Photo
Alston Owens
Board Member
AC
Alan Collins
Board Member
Rhiannon
Rhiannon Griffiths
Board Member

WEST MIDLANDS STAFF

Zoe Mitchell
West Midlands Partnerships and Delivery Manager
Lindsay Davies
West Midlands Team Leader & Herefordshire & Worcestershire Netball Development Officer
Emma Payne
West Midlands Regional Officer
Charlotte Follos
Staffordshire and South Staffordshire Netball Development Officer
Hope Bourton
Birmingham Netball Development Officer
Ruth Hughes
Shropshire Netball Development Officer
Amy Stoddart
Warwickshire Netball Development Officer
Lucy Fletcher
Netball Development Community Coach – Birmingham
Val Thomas
Netball Development Community Coach - Birmingham
Zoe Stephenson
Netball Development Community Coach - Black Country
Victoria Morris
Children's Sports Activator

A BIT OF HISTORY

1950
FOUNDED

West Midlands regional netball was founded. Check out this throwback pic of the 1st squad.

1965
TOURNAMENTS

Bromsgrove High winners of the High School tournament. Do you recognise anyone here?

1986
REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Shooting against East Midlands and the South, West Midlands proved overall winners in Senior and Under 21 competitions.

1991
ENGLAND YOUTH AWARD

England Captain Kendra Lowe presented the first ever Best of England Youth Award to Rebecca Avery from the West Midlands.

1999
REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Under 23s are victorious for the West Midlands.

2005
GOALDEN GLOBES

We celebrated 65 years of the West Midlands region with the glittering Golden Globes Awards.

JOIN THE TEAM

West Midlands Netball is a one of a kind squad! Join us and become part of the netball family in the heart of the country.

Read about our volunteering opportunities HERE

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Partner us, sponsor a netball club, a team, or an event. Find out more about our fantastic advertising and promotional prospects. Net yourself a real win-win, the benefits will drop right in!

GET IN THE GAME

JOIN OUR TEAM

Kerrie Jones

Kerrie Jones

Regional Chair

BOARD ROLE  Regional Chair

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since 2006, Chair since 2011

MY BACKGROUND:  Since representing her Junior School at netball Kerrie was
hooked. The passion for the game has never waned encompassing not only playing
at Club and County level but taking on administrative and organisational roles
at Club, County, Regional and National level. She has never yearned to be an
umpire or coach!

Kerrie says “There have been many proud moments for me in netball,
but one was being elected as a Director of England Netball representing the
grassroots view around the table, not forgetting being a member of the Board
that agreed to bid for the 2019 World Cup. Liverpool 2019 was amazing!

I am immensely proud to be Chair of Netball West Midlands
working with great volunteers and staff. There is so much enthusiasm for
wanting to make a difference to our great sport”.

Kerrie would also say she is a bit of a ‘volunteer’ fanatic.
Since 2015 she has been Chair of Governors at a senior school in Wolverhampton and
a blood donor for many years. She recently gave donation 108, yes you did read
that right, 108 pints of blood!

In 2023 Kerrie was awarded Honourary Life Membership of both England Netball and Netball West Midlands for her decades of service to the sport. This is one of the highest accolades England Netball bestows on its volunteers for exemplary contributions to the development of netball. 

Zena Johnston NEW

Zena Johnston

BOARD ROLE  Regional Officiating Lead

HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since 2018

MY BACKGROUND  I have played netball at county level numerous times, and have been officiating at different levels within the West Midlands for several years. I am an A award qualified umpire, an officiating assessor, technical official, and Level 2 Coach.

WHY I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT DEVELOPING NETBALL IN THE REGION  I think netball is just awesome, and I am passionate about promoting inclusiveness on the widest scale and developing excellent officials within the West Midlands. 

 

amy

Amy Bell

Volunteer Lead

BOARD ROLE  Volunteer Lead

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since February 2023

MY BACKGROUND: I’ve played netball since I was 10 years old and absolutely love everything about it! I work in digital strategy & innovation for a UK bank and especially passionate about developing the next generation both on and off the court. 

WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT DEVELOPING NETBALL LOCALLY:  I’ve been incredibly fortunate throughout the years to have been welcomed into netball families across the country.  Successes in my career can all be linked to the foundations built for me through the netball community. I truly believe that collaboratively, we can drive positive change and opportunities for players of all ages and backgrounds to thrive.

WHY I JOINED THE BOARD:  I recently finished a term as chair on another board just as the postings for the new roles were advertised.  I figured it was a sign!! I’ve also developed an off court netball programme for young volunteers at my netball club and really passionate about supporting volunteers.

CD

Callum dashfield

BOARD ROLE:  Marketing and Communications Lead

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since February 2023

MY BACKGROUND: I currently work as head of marketing for a digital marketing agency based in Staffordshire.  Sport has always been something I’ve been incredibly passionate about having been involved in from a young age, I started playing men’s and mixed netball while at university before joining my current team Manchester Spartans. 

WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT DEVELOPING NETBALL LOCALLY:  Netball has given me so many opportunities as a player, coach and volunteer. Netball can play such an important role in people lives and to communities around them, which is why I want to grow the sport and give more people the chance to get involved. 

 

WHY I JOINED THE BOARD:  I wanted to join the board to use both my passion for netball and my experience in marketing to help grow the sport and drive the growth of Netball within the West Midlands. Working to increase opportunities with netball to everyone regardless of background, age or ability.

 

CS

Claire Sanders

Performance Lead

BOARD ROLE  Performance Lead

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since April 2023

MY BACKGROUND: I have been coaching netball for over 20 years from grassroots to performance pathway, alongside managing a hospitality business. In 2015 I decided to follow my passion for coaching by starting University as a (very) mature student to follow my dream of becoming a teacher. My journey took me in a slightly different direction once I had completed my degree. By merging my business background and my passion for netball, I now work at Severn Stars as the General Manager. I love my job because I get to work full time in netball over all areas of the franchise and actually get to make a difference. 

WHY I WANTED TO JOIN THE BOARD: I coach at Worcester Netball Club so have an understanding of netball in the West Midlands but I look forward to improving my understanding of how I can support all clubs to continue the amazing work they are already doing and how together we can become a stronger region. 

In my role as Performance Lead, I intend to bring my knowledge of the England Netball Player Pathway from coaching the Severn Stars U21s and overseeing the pathway, to West Midlands Netball to ensure we are providing our younger players with the opportunities to succeed at all levels.

HM

Hayley Myles

Competition Lead

BOARD ROLE  Competition Lead

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since August 2023

MY BACKGROUND: I have played netball since I was 15 years old at both club and county level and have been the head coach at Sutton Town NC since we formed in 2007. We introduced our junior section in 2016 which has been growing and growing ever since. I still play for the clubs senior regional team who have just been promoted to Division 1. I also coach in an academy, in schools and at back to netball sessions. 

I work for a family run Construction company which allows me flexibility to carry out my netball volunteer roles.

WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT DEVELOPING NETBALL LOCALLY: I absolutely love how netball brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds and race. It teaches us all valuable life skills and creates friendships that last a lifetime. From being a shy 15 year old starting at her first team to now running a club with over 300 members I can certainly vouch for how netball improved my anxiety and mental health whilst also keeping me fit and having fun! I love that I can now do the same for others, whether at my club, academy or involved in any of my tournaments / leagues. I just LOVE to see anyone playing our amazing sport. 

WHY I JOINED THE BOARD: As a coach and BINL committee member I often see how much hard work goes into the leagues in the Midlands, I like to help wherever possible and hope that my new role as competition lead will help to ensure the continued growth of netball and competition in the region, especially by providing younger players with opportunities to develop and compete. 

AO Photo

Alston Owens

BOARD ROLE  Board Member Without Portfolio

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since February 2023

WHY I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT DEVELOPING NETBALL LOCALLY: I’m a massive sports fan and my enthusiasm for netball has really taken off over the last few years – largely thanks to my two incredible daughters who play at Sutton Royals Netball Club.

I strongly believe sport has a significant role to play in bridging the gap between different communities across the region  – and providing opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to come together, stay active and gain new skills. That’s why I’m committed to helping drive growth in the West Midlands’ netball scene.

WHY I WANTED TO JOIN THE BOARD:  Joining the Netball West Midlands Regional Management board seemed like an obvious move for me;

– To use my experience as a Cipfa qualified accountant  with expertise in financial governance to aid the board 

–  Contribute towards the growth of Netball at a grassroots level

–  Plus, it’s a great opportunity to give back to the community where I live, work and play.

 

AC

Alan Collins

BOARD ROLE  Board Member Without Portfolio

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since February 2023

MY BACKGROUND:  Dad to 4 kids and 2 Beagles! By trade I’m an IT data storage engineer. I’ve been on various Round Table boards locally and nationally, and am very passionate about raising money for charity. I’m the founder of the most awesome charity car rally called Skinflint Rally which raises thousands for good causes every year.

WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT DEVELOPING NETBALL LOCALLY:  I’m fortunate enough that both of my daughters are netball mad! Over the last few years it has given me a newly found love for this incredible sport. Seeing my daughters both make county, and my eldest now on her coaching and umpiring journey just gives me so much pride. Netball has given my daughters so many opportunities and so much joy, that I’m incredibly passionate about ensuring this amazing sport continues to thrive and grow long into the future. Joining the RMB is just my way of giving a little back to the sport that has given my family so much.

Rhiannon

Rhiannon Griffiths

BOARD ROLE  Board Member Without Portfolio

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since February 2023

MY BACKGROUND: Most of my working life was in the sales and commercial divisions of healthcare /healthcare related businesses, both public  and private sector, over 20 years of which was in the pharmaceutical industry. I got my first management position in 1996 and went on to hold senior management positions in a number of organisations. My only role outside of healthcare was the 3 years I spent as Head of Sales at the Forensic Science Service. In Dec 2021 I decided to give up work and can honestly say I’m loving every minute of my retirement.

I’m married, have 2 grown up children, was born and brought up in Sutton Coldfield and I now live just outside Wolverhampton in South Staffs.

WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT NETBALL LOCALLY: At school I was very sporty, my 2 great loves being athletics and netball. I played netball throughout my school life but the nature of most of my jobs meant I couldn’t commit to regular training or playing with a team once I was working  so it fell by the wayside.
Then several years ago a new back to netball session was started locally, I went along and my passion for the sport I’d loved all those years ago was reignited. Not only did it help improve my fitness but I gained a whole new group of friends. Some of us then formed a team, initially entered a back to netball league, then went on to join the Wolverhampton  League. It’s been fantastic to see more people join us over the years, now including the daughters of some of the original attendees, and a second team has been formed. It’s great to see how it’s brought so many of the community together, and the wider netball family were great supporters of a couple of fundraisers I organised for charity cycles I did a few years ago. In that way netball gave a lot to me. Now I hope to be able to use my experience to support and give back.

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Zoe Mitchell

Partnerships and Delivery Manager

JOB TITLE  West Midlands Partnerships and Delivery Manager

CONTACT EMAIL zoe.mitchell@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION WA/WD

WHY I LOVE NETBALL I  love netball for the positive impact it has on mental wellbeing. It really does give you a boost and you feel a million times better afterwards. I love seeing the impact it can others, especially when they are new or returning to the game and they experience the community feel of the netball family.

Lindsay

Lindsay Davies

Herefordshire & Worcestershire NDO

JOB TITLE  Herefordshire & Worcestershire Netball Development Officer

JOB ROLE To grow netball in the county and enhance the experience of those involved

CONTACT EMAIL  lindsay.davies@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION  GD/GK

WHY I LOVE NETBALL  It’s literally for anybody, you get to play with your best friends and meet so many amazing volunteers – what could be better?

Me

Emma Payne

Regional Officer

JOB TITLE  West Midlands Regional Officer

JOB ROLE Supporting the regional and county staff, teams, and leagues across the West Midlands.

CONTACT EMAIL  west.midlands@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION  WA/WD

WHY I LOVE NETBALL  Because of all the amazing memories I have both on and off the court with the people that have been brought together by this great sport. 

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Charlotte Follos

Staffs and South Staffs NDO

JOB TITLE  Staffordshire and South Staffordshire Netball Development Officer

JOB ROLE To grow netball in the county and enhance the experience of those involved

CONTACT EMAIL  charlotte.follos@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION WA/WD

WHY I LOVE NETBALL  Because you can always find a team and a level that suits you and your ability / availability. Truly a sport for life if you want it to be. 

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HOPE BOURTON

Birmingham NDO

JOB TITLE  Birmingham Netball Development Officer  

JOB ROLE To grow netball in the county and enhance the experience of those involved

CONTACT EMAIL  hope.bourton@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION  GK/GS

WHY I LOVE NETBALL  I love netball because I like playing with my friends and the benefits it gives me

Ruth

Ruth Hughes

NDO Shropshire

JOB TITLE  Shropshire Netball Development Officer

JOB ROLE To grow netball in the county and enhance the experience of those involved

CONTACT EMAIL  ruth.hughes@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION  WD

WHY I LOVE NETBALL  Team spirit and you can get fit whilst having fun.

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Kirsty Dixon

NDO Birmingham

JOB TITLE  Netball Development Officer Birmingham

JOB ROLE  To grow netball in the county and enhance the experience of those involved. 

CONTACT EMAIL kirsty.dixon@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION  C/WD

WHY I LOVE NETBALL  I love netball because anyone and everyone can play. It doesn’t matter what age or ability you are Netball is for everyone. It’s fun, keeps you active and a great way to make friends!

Lucy

Lucy Heap

NDCC Birmingham

JOB TITLE  Netball Development Community Coach – Birmingham 

JOB ROLE An NDCC is someone who goes out and takes netball to the local communities. We don’t necessarily coach aspiring Roses players, but ladies who love the game of netball at a recreational level.

CONTACT EMAIL  lucy.heap@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION  GA/WA

WHY YOU LOVE NETBALL  I love netball because it is a true team sport…it requires all players to work together to score the goals! Also, the friendships built in a team cannot be replicated elsewhere! 

Val

Val Thomas

NDCC Birmingham

JOB TITLE  Netball Development Community Coach – Birmingham

JOB ROLE An NDCC is someone who goes out and takes netball to the local communities. We don’t necessarily coach aspiring Roses players, but ladies who love the game of netball at a recreational level.

CONTACT EMAIL  val.thomas@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION  GS

WHY I LOVE NETBALL I am passionate about enhancing the lives of as many people as possible who engage in our sport, by sharing netball knowledge, skills and experience. Collectively, I have delivered various programmes as part of the England Netball grassroot coaching team for over 10 years; interacting with participants in all age groups from 7 to 70+ years of age, from beginner to performance level, including couch to court and injury to recovery stages.

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Zoe Stephenson

NDCC Black Country

JOB TITLE  Netball Development Community Coach – Black Country

JOB ROLE An NDCC is someone who goes out and takes netball to the local communities. We don’t necessarily coach aspiring Roses players, but ladies who love the game of netball at a recreational level.

CONTACT EMAIL zoe.stephenson@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION  Coming Soon!

WHY I LOVE NETBALL Coming Soon!

Victoria

Victoria Morris

Children's Sport Activator

JOB TITLE  Children’s Sport Activator

JOB ROLE The CSA role is unique to the West Midlands and helps to bring Bee Netball opportunities to all children from all backgrounds. 

CONTACT EMAIL victoria.morris@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION  GK

WHY I LOVE NETBALL Because of all the life-long friends I have made!

Sally Bromley NEW
INTRODUCING

Sally Bromley

BIO COMING SOON

Kerrie Jones NEW
INTRODUCING

Kerrie Jones

BIO COMING SOON

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Zoe Stephenson

JOB TITLE  Netball Development Community Coach

CONTACT EMAIL  zoe.stephenson@englandnetball.co.uk

SHORT BIO I have been working for England Netball for good few years as the Netball Development Community Coach for the Black Country. During this time, I have supported many ladies returning to netball for the first time in over 20, 30, 40 years. The smiles on their faces when they are back on the court throwing a ball with other ladies makes my job.

NETBALL POSITION  WA

NETBALL TEAM YOU SUPPORT  Severn Stars

FAVOURITE NETBALL MOMENT  England winning the Commonwealth Games gold, crying my eyes out on the sofa, while feeding my 5-month-old.

NETBALL HERO  Tracey Neville/Olivia Murphy

WHY YOU LOVE NETBALL  I have played netball for a long time now in many different stages of my life. Netball has always given me so much over the years; a chance to escape and be just me, chance to build fitness, an opportunity to see and chat to my mates, week in week out, and build a sense of family. You can’t play netball without mates or the netball family.