Nottingham Forest Netball is delighted to welcome Hayley Mackellar, who is joining as the Head Coach of the U23 squad.
With the First Team squad confirmed for the upcoming season and Chelsea Pitman’s coaching staff also taking shape, this move represents the investment Nottingham Forest Netball is making across all ages. A high performing youth setup will be a core indicator of the long-term success of the franchise and Mackellar joins with a wealth of experience.
Last season, Mackellar worked as NSL assistant coach at Severn Stars and as U21 Head Coach at Netball Scotland. Experienced as a coach, Mackellar also enjoyed a successful playing career, representing Scotland on the international stage.
On joining Nottingham Forest Netball, Mackellar said, “I am super excited to join Nottingham Forest and the experienced coaching team. I feel I have a lot to give but also am looking forward to learning.
“What drew me to Forest is the ‘people first’ culture which comes across instantly, which fits with who I am as a coach. As well as the opportunity to be part of an exciting new franchise and its powerhouse coaching team. I can’t wait to get started.”
The coaching staff for the U23 squad is further bolstered as Samantha Griffin and Jo Randal will be working as Assistant Coach and Team Manager respectively.
Griffin has extensive experience of coaching within the region from grassroots to National Premier League 1 as Head Coach of Charnwood Rutland Netball Club. Griffin has also held roles at the highest level, working in National Pathway Coaching positions at Manchester Thunder and Loughborough Lightning. Alongside her coaching responsibilities, Griffin will also work as Head of Netball Operations.
Griffin said, “I am looking forward to being back in my home region where I can support the development of local talent and help grow the Forest Pathway. I am excited to work with Hayley and get the season underway.”
Jo Randal has worked with Hayley Mackellar previously at both Severn Stars NSL and for Scotland U21s. As well as being a Team Manager, Randal is also an experienced physio and has worked with the England Netball Squad in this capacity.
Randal said, “I am super excited to be joining Nottingham Forest Netball. To be part of such a great sporting institution and a brand-new franchise is such an amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to work with and bring my NSL experience to the U23s.”
With thanks to Nottingham Forest
