Giving young people access to inspirational activities and enhancing the coaching skills of teachers are among the main goals of a brand-new community-focused partnership between Team Bath Netball and charity Bath Recreation Limited.
The multi-year partnership will see the two Bath-based organisations collaborate across a number of enriching projects, aimed at opening up and growing the opportunities for young people to engage with positive lifestyles both in Bath and across the South West region.
Bath Recreation’s long-term backing will help Team Bath deliver its thriving Player Pathway, and the supporting network of Athlete Development Centres, for more than 250 talented young netballers from across the South West of England.
The partnership will also see the Blue and Gold provide unique sporting and lifestyle experiences for pupils from primary schools across Bath, as well as continued professional development (CPD) to local PE teachers identified by Bath Recreation.
The charity’s aspirational Glasshouse Academy will benefit too as youngsters are welcomed into the home of Team Bath to access the world-class facilities at the Sports Training Village, while coaches will be provided shadowing opportunities at Team Bath Netball training sessions to help upskill their own delivery.
Emily Siddy, Team Bath Netball Manager, said: “We are delighted to be working with Bath Recreation in a partnership we believe will inspire, engage and create lasting impact within our local community.
“Bath Recreation’s support will help Team Bath Netball continue to be a leader in women’s sport in the South West, nurturing young women across the region to not only fulfil their potential on court but continue to lead active and healthy lifestyles.”
Alicia John, General Manager – Activity at Bath Recreation, said: “I was delighted when the trustees at Bath Recreation asked me to look after this partnership as I know the power that both institutions have to create a positive and lasting impact.
“Netball is such an important sport for women, girls and, of course, the wider community and while the loss of Super League in the South West was incredibly disappointing, we wanted to help ensure girls across Bath and the wider region still have access to an aspirational pathway.
“The holistic approach that Team Bath Netball takes to developing the all-round person, not just the netballer, very much aligns to Bath Recreation’s ethos of ‘nurturing positive lifestyles’. This partnership is a reflection of our growing relationship with the University of Bath as a whole and we will work together to ensure it has maximum impact for the community, measuring it against clear objectives and reviewing annually.”
Bath Recreation is a self-funded charity that is intent on creating a financially-sustainable model for the future of sports and recreation. Visit bathrec.co.uk for more information.
Team Bath Netball are gearing up for the 2024-25 season, where their Futures squad will contest the newly-formed U23 Feeder League which underpins the relaunched Netball Super League. Fans will be able to watch their home games at the Team Bath Arena and squad, fixture and ticket details will be revealed shortly.
The U17s and U19s begin their National Performance League (NPL) seasons in November and, like last season, all matches will be live-streamed. Visit netball.teambath.com to find out more.
Lead photo shows: Players Ellie Ervine (left) and Sienna Rutherford (right) with Emily Siddy, Team Bath Netball Manager, and Alicia John, General Manager – Activity at Bath Recreation
With thanks to the Team Bath Press Office
