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.
GET INTO NETBALL

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!

Chrissie Prince – Regional Officer
Tel: 07425 815 241
Email: west.midlands@englandnetball.co.uk

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MEET THE
Regional Management BOARD

Kerrie Jones
Kerrie Jones
Regional Chair
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Chanelle
Chanelle Poyser
Treasurer
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Volunteer Lead
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CS
Claire Sanders
Performance Lead
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HM
Hayley Myles
Competition Lead
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Alston Owens
Board Member
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Ian
Ian Ascroft
Board Member - Data Protection & Governance
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Maureeb

Maureen Robinson
Officiating Lead
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Chelsey Small
Board Member
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WM_BrandTapestry (1)

Marketing and Communications Lead
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WEST MIDLANDS STAFF

Becca O'Neil
Midlands and Yorkshire Partnerships and Delivery Manager
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Lindsay Davies
West Midlands Team Leader & Herefordshire & Worcestershire Netball Development Officer
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Chrissie Prince
West Midlands Regional Officer
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Sophie Brown
Staffordshire and South Staffordshire Netball Development Officer
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Emma Roberts
Birmingham Netball Development Officer
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Ruth Hughes
Shropshire Netball Development Officer
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Sophie Smithers
Warwickshire Netball Development Officer
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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.

SEE OUR LATEST VACANCIES

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!
CONTACT US

GET IN THE GAME

JOIN OUR TEAM

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Kerrie Jones

Kerrie Jones

Regional Chair

BOARD ROLE  Regional Chair

EMAIL  kerrie@netballwestmidlands.co.uk

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. 

Chanelle

Chanelle Poyser

Treasurer

BOARD ROLE:  Treasurer

EMAIL ADDRESS:  chanelle@netballwestmidlands.co.uk

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD:  Since December 2023

MY BACKGROUND:  I developed a love for netball at secondary school; I started with playing for my school’s team and also played for a team in a local league. I try to keep active and so as an adult I joined a local league and started playing again as a fun and effective way to keep fit. My day job is working in finance for the NHS, which I really enjoy.

WHY AM I PASSIONATE ABOUT NETBALL: Netball is such a great sport, it brings people together, encourages skills such as team work and communication, but overall it’s really fun and it’s a great way to stay active. I believe netball can be lifelong way to stay active and socialise. To be able to support Netball West Midlands to continue to facilitate opportunities for people to join and play is something I really wanted to be a part of.

WHY I WANTED TO JOIN THE BOARD: Netball is a sport that positively impacts all that it engages, including myself. When the opportunity came along to support Netball West Midlands as a board member I knew I had to apply and support it to continue to grow and inspire locally. Using my skills as a finance professional and as Treasurer I will be able to support the region in the process of meeting it’s strategic goals.

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Amy Bell

Volunteer Lead

BOARD ROLE  Volunteer Lead

EMAIL  amy@netballwestmidlands.co.uk

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.

CS

CLAIRE SANDERS

Performance Lead

BOARD ROLE  Performance Lead

EMAIL  claire@netballwestmidlands.co.uk

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

EMAIL  hayley@netballwestmidlands.co.uk

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. 

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Alston Owens

BOARD ROLE  Board Member Without Portfolio

EMAIL alston@netballwestmidlands.co.uk

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.

 

Ian

Ian ascroft

BOARD ROLE  Board Member – Governance & Data Protection

EMAIL west.midlands@englandnetball.co.uk

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since February 2026

MY BACKGROUND: I have a strong background in Corporate Governance and Risk Management, currently working for an arm’s length body of Defra. As well as working within Governance I currently volunteer extensively within school governance, looking after eleven primary schools across a portfolio of appointments. I live in Warwickshire with my wife and our 12-year-old daughter who proudly plays netball for her club, Little Sutton, and Northants County.

WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT DEVELOPING NETBALL LOCALLY: Simply put netball is a phenomenal sport that deserves to be even bigger than it already is. I attended a single sex school so didn’t come across netball until my daughter started playing it in primary school. From there my love of the sport has grown as hers has, unfortunately unlike my daughter my playing ability or understanding of some of the rules, hasn’t grown at the same pace. I believe sport can deliver so much more than physical benefits; it can bring people and diverse communities together, improve mental health, and provide opportunities to gain and develop skills that can be so important in all aspects of life. 

Maureeb

Maureen Robinson

Officiating Lead

BOARD ROLE:  Officiating Lead

EMAIL Maureen@netballwestmidlands.co.uk

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since February  2026

MY BACKGROUND: I’ve been playing netball since primary school and knew then it was going to be my sport of choice. Ive’ played netball from school level up to County and Region level. I soon found out that I had a talent for umpiring and pursued this aspect of the sport to attain my B award and Certificates in Assessing and Mentoring. Whilst I no longer play, I am still totally and fully involved and as the Officiating Lead, I hope to continue to excellent work of my predecessor. 

WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT DEVELOPING NETBALL LOCALLY:  Netball has allowed me to travel and meet some incredible people.  It is an incredible sport.  It brings people together and a great way to stay fit and active. Participating in Netball has helped me grow as a person and become more disciplined and focused both at work and also in the sport itself.

 

WHY I JOINED THE BOARD:  Umpiring has my heart and through working closing with the late Zena Johnston, I knew that I wanted to continue her good work in encouraging and supporting umpires and continue to raise the standard of umpiring within the region.  

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Chelsey Small

BOARD ROLE  Board Member Without Portfolio

EMAIL  west.midlands@englandnetball.co.uk

HOW LONG I HAVE BEEN ON THE BOARD  Since February 2026

MY BACKGROUND: I have played netball for almost 15 years including county, regional and performance level. I currently play in the West Midlands senior regional league and assist in coaching the junior teams in my club. Outside of netball and my day job as a Tax Associate Director, you will typically find me in the gym or spending time with family.

WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT NETBALL LOCALLY: Netball has provided me with opportunities and a community that I most likely would have never otherwise experienced. Netball has also indirectly shaped my career and me personally, teaching me to be confident, have a strong worth ethic, be disciplined and focused (amongst many other things!) I am super thankful for all I have learnt and hope to be playing for many more years.

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Becca O'Neil

Partnerships and Delivery Manager

JOB TITLE  West Midlands Partnerships and Delivery Manager

CONTACT EMAIL beccaoneil@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?

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Chrissie Prince

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  GA/GD

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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Sophie brown

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  sophie.brown@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION GD

WHY I LOVE NETBALL I love playing Netball! I have played since I was at school, and still play now. I really enjoy playing Netball with my friends

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emma roberts

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  Emma.Roberts@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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Sophie Smithers

NDO Warwickshire

JOB TITLE  Netball Development Officer Warwickshire

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

CONTACT EMAIL sophie.smithers@englandnetball.co.uk

NETBALL POSITION  C/WA

WHY I LOVE NETBALL  I love netball because it’s a great way to get together and have fun with friends, engage in exercise and be a part of empowering women and girls to do the same.

Kerrie Jones NEW
INTRODUCING

Kerrie Jones

BIO COMING SOON

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INTRODUCING

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.

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! 

Zena Johnston NEW

Zena Johnston

BOARD ROLE  Regional Officiating Lead

EMAIL  zena@netballwestmidlands.co.uk

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. 

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