Our ethos is ‘Netball for All’ and we want to make sure we offer the correct competition for every player. This means challenging and stretching players to step up to the next level. The next level is usually a county league but Sussex does not have a county league in place yet. The next level for us is to take part in a regional league which is a big step up but something we are invested in.
We have therefore introduced our new ‘Performance Programme’. This programme is suitable for those who currently play league netball and have aspirations to take their netball further whether that be by playing more challenging competitions (County/Regional), playing for County, playing for a franchise or even playing for England in the long term.
The ‘Performance Programme’ is split into 2 sections – County and Regional.
County is for players who may aspire to one day play for England but to get there will need to trial for Satellite, County or Storm (depending on age). Players will need to be nominated to do so by their school or the club. We will nominate a player if we think they are ready for this competition. Our coaches are experienced in selection and well informed on what is required to give each individual athlete the best chance of success at the trials.
U13 Satellite – trials for U11 and U12 age groups
U15 County – trials for U13 and U14 age groups
U15 Storm – this will only be available if the player trials for U15 County and they deem them good enough to skip County and go straight to Storm Hub
U17 Storm – trials for U15 and U16 age groups
Our aim in this County Performance Programme is to focus on the individual athlete and prepare them for the above trials
Regional is for players who would like to play at a higher level and play teams outside of the county. This competition is hard to get into and takes dedication from the players.
Regional competition is open to players in the U13, U14 and U16 age groups. We hope to enter teams in the U13 and U16 age groups this year and so players in the U11 to U15 age groups are currently eligible for this programme.
Our aim in this Regional Performance Programme is to work at a high intensity and skill level as a squad and ensure that the athletes are mentally and physically ready for this level of competition.
The coaches’ vision is to provide a high level of competition for those players ready for it. Whilst this Performance Programme is open for all to try if they have the commitment and aspirations, the coaches will not put a player in the wrong competition so there will be a selection process at the end of each programme.
