22 days ago
A leisure centre's future is causing concern among sports clubs, with netball and squash representatives warning that any loss of facilities could have a major impact.
Guernsey's Beau Sejour leisure centre is in a "persistent operating deficit" and a "solution has not been defined", a sustainability report said.
Naomi Szmierek, of the Guernsey Netball ****** ociation, said netball was already struggling with a lack of court ****** e and said the sport was not meeting demand across junior, community and island programmes.
Martin Watts, treasurer of Guernsey Squash and Racquetball ****** ociation, said Beau Sejour was "crucial" because it was now the only venue on the island where squash could be played.
The leisure centre is in a persistent deficit, says a report [BBC]
#centre
Guernsey's Beau Sejour leisure centre is in a "persistent operating deficit" and a "solution has not been defined", a sustainability report said.
Naomi Szmierek, of the Guernsey Netball ****** ociation, said netball was already struggling with a lack of court ****** e and said the sport was not meeting demand across junior, community and island programmes.
Martin Watts, treasurer of Guernsey Squash and Racquetball ****** ociation, said Beau Sejour was "crucial" because it was now the only venue on the island where squash could be played.
The leisure centre is in a persistent deficit, says a report [BBC]
#centre
27 days ago
LexisNexis Dragons have changed almost a third of their squad as they bid to improve on fifth place in Netball Super League (NSL).
Head coach Reigna Bloxham has signed New Zealanders Saviour Tui (goal shooter), Holly Mather (centre, wing defence), along with former England Under-21 captain Phoebe Maslen (centre, wing defence).
They replace Wales international Phillipa Yarranton who is retiring, South African mid-courter Khanyisa Chawane who has departed after three seasons, and Ellen Withington who was signed as a permanent replacement player during 2026.
Having finished bottom of NSL in 2025, Dragons fell only three points short of making the end of season play-offs in this year's campaign.
Fifth in the eight-team league represented the Welsh franchise's best finish since 2014.
#fifth #wing
Head coach Reigna Bloxham has signed New Zealanders Saviour Tui (goal shooter), Holly Mather (centre, wing defence), along with former England Under-21 captain Phoebe Maslen (centre, wing defence).
They replace Wales international Phillipa Yarranton who is retiring, South African mid-courter Khanyisa Chawane who has departed after three seasons, and Ellen Withington who was signed as a permanent replacement player during 2026.
Having finished bottom of NSL in 2025, Dragons fell only three points short of making the end of season play-offs in this year's campaign.
Fifth in the eight-team league represented the Welsh franchise's best finish since 2014.
#fifth #wing
1 month ago
Princess Charlotte is taking her love of sports to the next level after reportedly joining a competitive netball team.
The 11-year-old daughter of Princess Kate and Prince William is said to be playing for a travel team that "competes at a high level all over the country," according to Daily Mail.
Now, Charlotte's famous parents are already causing a stir among families whose daughters could find themselves competing against the young royal in netball, one of the U.K.'s most popular women's sports.
MEGA
"All of the parents of the girls on the opposing teams are wondering whether or not they're going to run into William and Kate," a source told the outlet in a story published on August 15. "It's all very hands-on, and it would be funny to see them in such a down-to-earth environment, doing the early starts and long drives that everyone else has to do."
#kate #william #sports #level
The 11-year-old daughter of Princess Kate and Prince William is said to be playing for a travel team that "competes at a high level all over the country," according to Daily Mail.
Now, Charlotte's famous parents are already causing a stir among families whose daughters could find themselves competing against the young royal in netball, one of the U.K.'s most popular women's sports.
MEGA
"All of the parents of the girls on the opposing teams are wondering whether or not they're going to run into William and Kate," a source told the outlet in a story published on August 15. "It's all very hands-on, and it would be funny to see them in such a down-to-earth environment, doing the early starts and long drives that everyone else has to do."
#kate #william #sports #level
2 months ago
England missed out on a netball medal after suffering a second crushing defeat to Australia on the final day of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The Roses fell away after a promising first quarter to lose 68-50, emulating their earlier 66-47 defeat to the Diamonds in the group phase.
Australia, who had been forced to quickly regroup after Saturday's stunning last-gasp semi-final loss to Jamaica, dominated the second half of the contest to secure the bronze medal.
It is the first time Australia have not contested a netball final since the sport was introduced to the Games in 1998. Jamaica are set to face New Zealand in the gold medal match later on Sunday.
PA
#australia #netball
The Roses fell away after a promising first quarter to lose 68-50, emulating their earlier 66-47 defeat to the Diamonds in the group phase.
Australia, who had been forced to quickly regroup after Saturday's stunning last-gasp semi-final loss to Jamaica, dominated the second half of the contest to secure the bronze medal.
It is the first time Australia have not contested a netball final since the sport was introduced to the Games in 1998. Jamaica are set to face New Zealand in the gold medal match later on Sunday.
PA
#australia #netball
2 months ago
England's netballers were beaten 68-50 by world number one side Australia in their quest to win bronze at the Commonwealth Games.
The day after Saturday morning's frustrating semi-final loss to New Zealand, England tried to rally themselves to get on the podium but came up against a Diamonds team recovering from one of the biggest shocks in the tournament's history.
Australia - who had previously been in every Commonwealth final and won the tournament four times - were stunned by Jamaica on Saturday afternoon, giving them less time to recover for the bronze-medal match than England.
The crowd responded to a lively start as great pressure from Roses captain Fran Williams led to Australia shooter Kiera Austin missing a shot with the score at 5-5, and Liv Tchine neatly slotted the ball in to open up a lead at the other end.
England worked hard to shut down the Diamonds' forward-passing options, forcing them to play sideways, but the team in green and gold found their rhythm with devastating consequences, overturning a 9-7 deficit to lead 19-11 in a bruising seven-minute first-quarter spell for the Roses.
#roses #team #lead
The day after Saturday morning's frustrating semi-final loss to New Zealand, England tried to rally themselves to get on the podium but came up against a Diamonds team recovering from one of the biggest shocks in the tournament's history.
Australia - who had previously been in every Commonwealth final and won the tournament four times - were stunned by Jamaica on Saturday afternoon, giving them less time to recover for the bronze-medal match than England.
The crowd responded to a lively start as great pressure from Roses captain Fran Williams led to Australia shooter Kiera Austin missing a shot with the score at 5-5, and Liv Tchine neatly slotted the ball in to open up a lead at the other end.
England worked hard to shut down the Diamonds' forward-passing options, forcing them to play sideways, but the team in green and gold found their rhythm with devastating consequences, overturning a 9-7 deficit to lead 19-11 in a bruising seven-minute first-quarter spell for the Roses.
#roses #team #lead
2 months ago
Photographs of the Prince and Princess of Wales with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, often look like they could have been taken for a Ralph Lauren catalogue. Whether on their Christmas card or at official occasions, the family exudes preppy glamour. So it felt entirely appropriate that three out of five members of the family sported clothing by the American label as they attended the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Saturday afternoon.
The Princess arrived to watch the netball semi-finals wearing an ensemble which might provide inspiration for anyone looking to master a smart-casual look this summer. The hero piece of the outfit was a new double-breasted blazer, the Camden cashmere design from Ralph Lauren Collection. According to the brand's website, the jacket "debuted as a men's sporting style in 19th-century Britain" and "is one of Ralph Lauren's enduring silhouettes". Notably, Ralph Lauren is the official outfitter of the Wimbledon Championships, where the Princess is royal patron.
While Catherine's forest green version isn't currently available to buy, the identical jacket in navy retails for £2,950 – a far cry from the Zara tailoring the Princess often wears. The rest of her look continued this upscale theme – she accessorised with diamond hoop earrings by Kiki McDonough, Gianvito Rossi shoes and an Anya Hindmarch handbag.
Catherine wore a Camden cashmere double-breasted blazer from Ralph Lauren and Gianvito Rossi shoes - Euan Cherry/Getty
Another key element of the Princess's outfit was a striped top, a design that she has become synonymous with ever since joining the Royal family. Catherine, who is known as the ******* ss of Rothesay in Scotland, has worn Breton tops for polo matches and relaxed family engagements as well as in difficult moments, such as the video she released telling the world she had cancer in 2023. The design also reflects the sporty Hamptons aesthetic of Ralph Lauren.
#princess #gianvito
The Princess arrived to watch the netball semi-finals wearing an ensemble which might provide inspiration for anyone looking to master a smart-casual look this summer. The hero piece of the outfit was a new double-breasted blazer, the Camden cashmere design from Ralph Lauren Collection. According to the brand's website, the jacket "debuted as a men's sporting style in 19th-century Britain" and "is one of Ralph Lauren's enduring silhouettes". Notably, Ralph Lauren is the official outfitter of the Wimbledon Championships, where the Princess is royal patron.
While Catherine's forest green version isn't currently available to buy, the identical jacket in navy retails for £2,950 – a far cry from the Zara tailoring the Princess often wears. The rest of her look continued this upscale theme – she accessorised with diamond hoop earrings by Kiki McDonough, Gianvito Rossi shoes and an Anya Hindmarch handbag.
Catherine wore a Camden cashmere double-breasted blazer from Ralph Lauren and Gianvito Rossi shoes - Euan Cherry/Getty
Another key element of the Princess's outfit was a striped top, a design that she has become synonymous with ever since joining the Royal family. Catherine, who is known as the ******* ss of Rothesay in Scotland, has worn Breton tops for polo matches and relaxed family engagements as well as in difficult moments, such as the video she released telling the world she had cancer in 2023. The design also reflects the sporty Hamptons aesthetic of Ralph Lauren.
#princess #gianvito
2 months ago
Kate Middleton and Prince William made a surprise appearance today with their children! And the Wales family were giving fashion.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis all accompanied their parents to the Commonwealth Games, where they watched Jamaica v. Australia in the netball semi-final.
The Princess of Wales and Charlotte very cutely coordinated their outfits, with Kate in a white sweater with black stripes and 11-year-old Charlotte in a white dress by Guess that featured black stripes too.
Charlotte's dress also featured a polka dot print, bringing to mind the polka dot outfits that her grandmotherPrincess Diana was fond of. Kate herself is very fond of the timeless polka dot, which happens to have been one of the big trends for Spring/Summer 2026.
For today's Commonweath Appearance Kate also wore a forest green blazer by Ralph Lauren.
#charlotte #polka
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis all accompanied their parents to the Commonwealth Games, where they watched Jamaica v. Australia in the netball semi-final.
The Princess of Wales and Charlotte very cutely coordinated their outfits, with Kate in a white sweater with black stripes and 11-year-old Charlotte in a white dress by Guess that featured black stripes too.
Charlotte's dress also featured a polka dot print, bringing to mind the polka dot outfits that her grandmotherPrincess Diana was fond of. Kate herself is very fond of the timeless polka dot, which happens to have been one of the big trends for Spring/Summer 2026.
For today's Commonweath Appearance Kate also wore a forest green blazer by Ralph Lauren.
#charlotte #polka
2 months ago
The Prince and Princess of Wales have brought their three children to watch some of the final sporting events at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Cheering crowds at the city's OVO Hydro were treated to exhilarating performances in the netball semi-finals where the family watched New Zealand's 61-54 win over England.
They then made their way to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome - where they chatted to British cyclist Laura Kenny and sat one row behind Olympic cycling champion, Sir Chris.
Known as the Duke and ***** ss of Rothesay while in Scotland, the couple also spent time meeting athletes, staff and volunteers during a slightly blustery visit to the venue on the River Clyde.
They met gold medal-winning para powerlifter Mark Swan and gymnast Reuben Ward on the concourse.
#hydro
Cheering crowds at the city's OVO Hydro were treated to exhilarating performances in the netball semi-finals where the family watched New Zealand's 61-54 win over England.
They then made their way to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome - where they chatted to British cyclist Laura Kenny and sat one row behind Olympic cycling champion, Sir Chris.
Known as the Duke and ***** ss of Rothesay while in Scotland, the couple also spent time meeting athletes, staff and volunteers during a slightly blustery visit to the venue on the River Clyde.
They met gold medal-winning para powerlifter Mark Swan and gymnast Reuben Ward on the concourse.
#hydro
2 months ago
Northern Ireland picked up their first netball win at the Commonwealth Games in their final game as they secured a resounding 78-39 victory over Trinidad and Tobago at the Hydro.
The win for the Warriors, who finished bottom of Pool A, ensures they finish the competition in 11th place with Trinidad and Tobago, who finished bottom of Pool B, ending up 12th.
NI dominated the first quarter to lead 19-10 and really took control in the second, scoring 21 times to move 40-18 ahead.
The Warriors pressed on after the half-time break and extended their advantage to 60-28 after the third quarter.
The final quarter was a bit closer, with NI winning it 18-11 to end a tough Games campaign on a high.
#pool
The win for the Warriors, who finished bottom of Pool A, ensures they finish the competition in 11th place with Trinidad and Tobago, who finished bottom of Pool B, ending up 12th.
NI dominated the first quarter to lead 19-10 and really took control in the second, scoring 21 times to move 40-18 ahead.
The Warriors pressed on after the half-time break and extended their advantage to 60-28 after the third quarter.
The final quarter was a bit closer, with NI winning it 18-11 to end a tough Games campaign on a high.
#pool
2 months ago
We've made it to day eight of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and it's a big one for boxing with a number of semi-finals as the athletes look to upgrade on the bronze medals they have already won.
Northern Ireland's netball team play an 11th/12th place classification match against Trinidad and Tobago at the Hydro at 09:00.
Cycling action starts at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, with Esther Wong going in the women's 400m individual pursuit qualification.
Matti Dobbins will compete in the qualification of the men's elimination race while Erin Creighton and Emma Jeffers will go in the women's 10k scratch race qualification.
If they make it through the various cycling finals will take place from 16:00.
#finals #race #glasgow
Northern Ireland's netball team play an 11th/12th place classification match against Trinidad and Tobago at the Hydro at 09:00.
Cycling action starts at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, with Esther Wong going in the women's 400m individual pursuit qualification.
Matti Dobbins will compete in the qualification of the men's elimination race while Erin Creighton and Emma Jeffers will go in the women's 10k scratch race qualification.
If they make it through the various cycling finals will take place from 16:00.
#finals #race #glasgow
2 months ago
England's netballers reached the Commonwealth Games semi-finals after producing a pulsating comeback to beat South Africa 58-54.
With both sides tied on six points but the Roses ahead of the Proteas on goal average in pool A's second spot going into the game, England had to avoid defeat to progress.
Elmere van der Berg was in fine form early on to fire South Africa into a six-goal lead at the end of the first quarter with 16 of her nation's 17 goals to leave England facing an uphill task.
But some excellent and aggressive defensive work by second-quarter substitute Halimat Adio helped England spring multiple counter-attacks to claw their way back to just 29-28 down at the halfway stage.
The Roses started to take control in the third quarter, opening up a seven-goal lead at one stage before the Proteas netted three times in quick succession to go into the final 15 minutes 43-39 behind.
#goal #roses #stage
With both sides tied on six points but the Roses ahead of the Proteas on goal average in pool A's second spot going into the game, England had to avoid defeat to progress.
Elmere van der Berg was in fine form early on to fire South Africa into a six-goal lead at the end of the first quarter with 16 of her nation's 17 goals to leave England facing an uphill task.
But some excellent and aggressive defensive work by second-quarter substitute Halimat Adio helped England spring multiple counter-attacks to claw their way back to just 29-28 down at the halfway stage.
The Roses started to take control in the third quarter, opening up a seven-goal lead at one stage before the Proteas netted three times in quick succession to go into the final 15 minutes 43-39 behind.
#goal #roses #stage
2 months ago
No team. No coach. No training facilities.
No problem.
When Salote Sisifa became CEO of Tonga Netball in 2014, she had a blank canvas. Some would call it an empty cupboard.
Twelve years and much upheaval later, the Pacific Islanders are ranked eighth in the world. For context, that's just behind Wales and ahead of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Tonga launch their first Commonwealth Games netball campaign on Saturday in Glasgow when they face Australia, the world's preeminent team.
#islanders
No problem.
When Salote Sisifa became CEO of Tonga Netball in 2014, she had a blank canvas. Some would call it an empty cupboard.
Twelve years and much upheaval later, the Pacific Islanders are ranked eighth in the world. For context, that's just behind Wales and ahead of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Tonga launch their first Commonwealth Games netball campaign on Saturday in Glasgow when they face Australia, the world's preeminent team.
#islanders
2 months ago
It is an event that has been going for 96 years.
The Commonwealth Games have provided iconic sporting moments – from Roger Bannister's win in the 'Miracle Mile' of 1954 and Eilish McColgan breaking her mum's record in 2022 to England's netball victory four years earlier in Australia.
But the 2026 Games, which open in Glasgow on Thursday, come at an intriguing time for the event. Many doubted whether they would even happen - and when they do go ahead, they will do so in a stripped-back form.
So how did we get here? And do athletes and fans still care and what could the future hold?
The 2026 Commonwealth Games were thrown into doubt when its original hosts, the Australian state of Victoria, pulled out in 2023 citing spiraling costs. That decision took even the leaders of Commonwealth Sport by surprise.
#even #miracle
The Commonwealth Games have provided iconic sporting moments – from Roger Bannister's win in the 'Miracle Mile' of 1954 and Eilish McColgan breaking her mum's record in 2022 to England's netball victory four years earlier in Australia.
But the 2026 Games, which open in Glasgow on Thursday, come at an intriguing time for the event. Many doubted whether they would even happen - and when they do go ahead, they will do so in a stripped-back form.
So how did we get here? And do athletes and fans still care and what could the future hold?
The 2026 Commonwealth Games were thrown into doubt when its original hosts, the Australian state of Victoria, pulled out in 2023 citing spiraling costs. That decision took even the leaders of Commonwealth Sport by surprise.
#even #miracle
2 months ago
Sixty-five athletes in total will represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July.
There will be Northern Ireland athletes in eight of the nine sports at this year's Games, with large boxing and swimming squads named as well as representatives in athletics, cycling, gymnastics, judo, lawn bowls and netball.
NI are well stocked with exciting emerging talents and some big hitters who will hope to add to their ever-growing medal tallies.
As the countdown to the Games continues, BBC Sport NI looks at all of those who are part of Team NI this summer.
The big name in the Athletics team is World outdoor silver medallist Kate O'Connor.
There will be Northern Ireland athletes in eight of the nine sports at this year's Games, with large boxing and swimming squads named as well as representatives in athletics, cycling, gymnastics, judo, lawn bowls and netball.
NI are well stocked with exciting emerging talents and some big hitters who will hope to add to their ever-growing medal tallies.
As the countdown to the Games continues, BBC Sport NI looks at all of those who are part of Team NI this summer.
The big name in the Athletics team is World outdoor silver medallist Kate O'Connor.
3 months ago
This summer's truncated Commonwealth Games represents "a really unique opportunity" to showcase netball, Scottish Thistles captain Emily Nicholl says.
It is one of just 10 sports that will be contested in Glasgow next month.
Scotland first fielded a netball team at the Games when it was last held in the city in 2014 - and a then 10-year-old Nicholl was in the crowd.
"I have first-hand experience of the impact a home games has and the fact that it really truly gave me belief and inspired me as to what is possible," the 32-year-old tells BBC Scotland.
"Because, before that, I didn't really know who the Thistles were to a great extent, so it did put them in the limelight and I think it was the start of a springboard for Scottish netball.
It is one of just 10 sports that will be contested in Glasgow next month.
Scotland first fielded a netball team at the Games when it was last held in the city in 2014 - and a then 10-year-old Nicholl was in the crowd.
"I have first-hand experience of the impact a home games has and the fact that it really truly gave me belief and inspired me as to what is possible," the 32-year-old tells BBC Scotland.
"Because, before that, I didn't really know who the Thistles were to a great extent, so it did put them in the limelight and I think it was the start of a springboard for Scottish netball.
3 months ago
Nat Metcalf has the chance to go for a second gold medal after being selected in England's netball squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with Fran Williams announced as captain.
The 12-strong group includes four players from newly crowned Netball Super League champions AO Manchester Thunder.
London Pulse star shooter Liv Tchine will serve as a Roses vice-captain, along with Thunder's Amy Carter, while the youngest member of the squad is 21-year-old defender Jayda Pechova.
Nottingham Forest's Pechova won the league's 2026 Player of the Year award, as well as Fans' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year as she helped her team achieve a top-four finish for the first time.
She was a nominee for the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year award in 2022, when aged 18, and a first senior England cap followed in 2023 against New Zealand.
The 12-strong group includes four players from newly crowned Netball Super League champions AO Manchester Thunder.
London Pulse star shooter Liv Tchine will serve as a Roses vice-captain, along with Thunder's Amy Carter, while the youngest member of the squad is 21-year-old defender Jayda Pechova.
Nottingham Forest's Pechova won the league's 2026 Player of the Year award, as well as Fans' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year as she helped her team achieve a top-four finish for the first time.
She was a nominee for the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year award in 2022, when aged 18, and a first senior England cap followed in 2023 against New Zealand.
3 months ago
Wales Netball has secured a major new investment for its professional club, Dragons.
Machroes Holdings Limited has taken a 40% shareholding in the club which competes in the Netball Super League (NSL).
The governing body remains the majority shareholder, retaining a 60% stake with overall ownership and control, but Wales Netball says it welcomes "fresh investment, expertise and ambition".
The investment comes as part of Wales Netball's Ymladd 2030 strategy to develop the game in Wales from grassroots to elite level.
"This is a landmark moment for netball in Wales," said Wales Netball chief executive Sarah Boswell.
Machroes Holdings Limited has taken a 40% shareholding in the club which competes in the Netball Super League (NSL).
The governing body remains the majority shareholder, retaining a 60% stake with overall ownership and control, but Wales Netball says it welcomes "fresh investment, expertise and ambition".
The investment comes as part of Wales Netball's Ymladd 2030 strategy to develop the game in Wales from grassroots to elite level.
"This is a landmark moment for netball in Wales," said Wales Netball chief executive Sarah Boswell.
3 months ago
AO Manchester Thunder are the first team to book a place in the Netball Super League Grand Final after beating London Pulse on Saturday.
The four-time champions held on for a 60-56 win in the major semi-final to ensure they will return to the NSL showpiece after missing out last year.
Reigning champions London have another chance to reach the ****** le decider in Manchester, though, as they will now face Loughborough Lightning in the preliminary final.
Loughborough beat Nottingham Forest 77-57 in the minor semi-final earlier on Saturday, so they and London will battle it out next week for the right to take on Manchester at Co-op Live on 20 June.
Thunder claimed a last-gasp win over Loughborough in last week's regular-season finale to ****** top spot and condemn Lightning to a third-placed finish.
The four-time champions held on for a 60-56 win in the major semi-final to ensure they will return to the NSL showpiece after missing out last year.
Reigning champions London have another chance to reach the ****** le decider in Manchester, though, as they will now face Loughborough Lightning in the preliminary final.
Loughborough beat Nottingham Forest 77-57 in the minor semi-final earlier on Saturday, so they and London will battle it out next week for the right to take on Manchester at Co-op Live on 20 June.
Thunder claimed a last-gasp win over Loughborough in last week's regular-season finale to ****** top spot and condemn Lightning to a third-placed finish.
