Athlete development hubs
The Lightning athlete development hub programme's vision is to deliver a player-centred environment focusing on fundamental skill development, athlete education and match play opportunities.
Our aims are:
- To develop the next generation of netball talent in the East Midlands.
- To provide a challenging learning environment to encourage the development of technical skills and game understanding.
- To provide opportunities for regular competition.
- To deliver a holistic athlete education programme.
- To develop local coaches through CPD opportunities in the hubs.
Our programme aims to introduce athletes to the Lightning way, enabling them to improve their skills while developing new ones in a safe and fun environment. The programme provides opportunities to complement athletes' current netball provision, whether in school, county, or Club.
We currently run U14 and U16 programmes in various locations. These include Ely, Kibworth, Lincoln, Loughborough, Long Eaton, Oundle, Newcastle Under Lyme, Repton, Worcester and Uppingham.
Programme and training information
The Athlete Development Hubs run between September and February in three six-week blocks, with 1.5-hour sessions on Friday evenings. At the end of each six-week block, an internal tournament is held, during which all the hubs come together at Loughborough University to play against each other.
Where possible and as far as we can, we try to run blocks in term time only to maximise attendance at each session.
2025 Trials
Trials for our 2025/26 cohort of hub athletes will take place in June 2025. More details will be released shortly – full information will be released on our website and social channels very soon.
Eligibility
Please note we follow England Netball’s age banding policies, which may not translate into school years.
U14
11-14 years old – Athletes must be OVER 11 but UNDER 14 at 23.59pm 31 December 2025.
Athletes need to be at least 11 but U14 (i.e. 13 before 31 December) but if you turn 14 on 1st January, the hub will be U14.
U16
14-16 years old - Athletes must be OVER 14 but UNDER 16 at 23.59pm 31 December 2025.
Athletes need to be at least 14 but U16 (i.e. 15 before 31st December) but you could turn 16 on 1st January, the hub will be U16.
Coaching teams
Lincoln Minster School
U14 and U16
- Head Coach – Shannon Day
- Assistant Coach – Amy Wright Foster
Loughborough Girls High School
U14 and U16
- Head Coach – Kaysha Wallis
- Assistant Coach – Lolly Roberts-Biggs
Trent College
U14 and U16
- Head Coach – Connie Xavier
- Assistant Coach – Amy Straughan
Uppingham School
U14
- Head Coach – Megan Sayers
- Assistant Coach – Kerry Gardner
U16
- Head Coach – Kerry Gardner
- Assistant Coach – Megan Sayers
Oundle School
- U14 Head Coach – Franca Cianni
- Assistant Coach – Sam Morris
Kibworth Mead Academy
U14 and U16
- Head Coach – Jen Williams
- Assistant Coach – Amy Hayward
Repton School
U14
- Head Coach – Bex Stewart
- Assistant Coach – Ruth Sampson
U16
- Head Coach – Ruth Sampson
- Assistant Coach – Bex Stewart
Newcastle Under Lyme School
U14
- Head Coach – Sarah Hancock
- Assistant Coach – Laura Bevans
U16
- Head Coach – Dee Nicol
- Assistant Coach – Laura Bevans
The King's School Worcester
U14 and U16
- Head Coach – Abbey Cox
- Assistant Coach – Jennifer Brookes/Harriet Mackrill
Kings Ely
U14
- Head Coach – Gemma Turner
- Assistant Coach – Kelsey Eliot
U16
- Head Coach – Lucy Peyton
- Assistant Coach – Kelsey Eliot
Trial information
Our open trials for 2025/26 Athlete Development Hubs will take place in June 2025 at Loughborough University*. Athletes will be able to book on to the trials via Loughborough University Online Store.
Trials will be organised in to U14 and U16 age groups, and it’s important athletes sign up to the right age group – please review our age banding which falls in line with England Netball bandings rather than school years.
*Please note: it will be the decision of the selectors and Head Coach if athletes are moved in to the older age group.
Each athlete will be emailed an allocated time slot for their trials at least one week prior to the trial date.
For your trial, please make sure:
- You arrive on time
- You are wearing the correct footwear
- All jewellery is removed
- Nails are short and hair is tied back
- You have a drink/water bottle
- You are wearing a white top and black shorts/leggings
- You enjoy yourself!
Frequently asked questions
Which age group do I apply for?
11-14 years old – Athletes must be OVER 11 but UNDER 14 at 23.59pm 31 December 2025.
Athletes need to be at least 11 but U14 (i.e. 13 before 31 December) but you could turn 14 on 1st January, the hub will be U14.
14-16 years old - Athletes must be OVER 14 but UNDER 16 at 23.59pm 31 December 2025.
Athletes need to be at least 14 but U16 (i.e. 15 before 31 December) but you could turn 16 on 1st January, the hub will be U16.
When will I find out what time my trial slot is?
After the closing date, when all the rotations have been done we will email you with your trial timeslot (max 2 hours). Please keep both days free as we are not able to accommodate requests for different slots due to the volume of athletes who apply.
What should I wear and do I need to bring anything?
Please wear black shorts or leggings and a white top, suitable trainers. Bring a Sharpie so you can write your trial number and plenty of fluids.
Do I have to trial on more than one day?
No, you will only trial on the day you have been allocated.
Are parents able to stay and watch the trials?
We politely request that parents do not stay to watch the trials.
When will I find out if I have secured a place?
We will aim to notify everyone within two weeks of the final trial.
Further information
If the above hasn’t been able to answer your questions, please contact Fiona Madeley.
Fiona Madeley Senior Community and Athlete Development Hub Officer