As the Official Payment Partner of the Netball Super League (NSL), American Express introduced the Amex Super Shot Fund ahead of the 2026 season. The activation, designed to powerfully back the future of netball communities across the UK, saw American Express and the NSL commit £20 for every Amex Super Shot each Club scored throughout the season. The more Amex Super Shots a team scored, the greater the investment back into its local netball community.
After the season concluded, clubs, leagues and schools in regions represented by an NSL Club were invited to apply to access the Amex Super Shot Fund. Funding applications were reviewed by regional panels featuring representatives from the NSL and each NSL Club with 86 successful applicants being awarded their share of a total £23,820 fund.
With 62 clubs and leagues and 24 schools receiving funding grants across the eight NSL Clubs, the fund for grassroots netball will be far reaching. Each recipient is now beginning to implement their plans, spending the funding on a wide range of initiatives they have selected, including but not limited to supplying new kit for players, covering facility costs and supporting individuals through coaching and officiating courses.
Claire Nelson, Managing Director of the NSL said: “We’re proud to announce the clubs, leagues and schools that have been awarded grants from the inaugural Amex Super Shot Fund. Congratulations to all the successful applicants. American Express sees the value in powerfully backing our grassroots game and share our commitment to driving growth at every level and we can’t wait to see how this funding will directly strengthen and grow the inspiring netball activity our netball communities are already delivering.”
A case study from one recipient
Knowing that different life stages and personal circumstances can affect women and girls’ participation in sport, England Netball’s NETBALLHer initiative provides women and girls with tools, knowledge and resources to help them remain active and thrive on a netball court at every life stage.
Whitwick Netball Club in the East Midlands has chosen to use its funding to establish a ‘Here If You Need’ scheme. The scheme will provide members experiencing significant life events with financial support to use for club and associated Netball costs. It is closely aligned with the aims of England Netball’s NETBALLHer initiative and is designed to help women remain connected to the club and the sport at times when they may face physical, emotional or financial challenges.
Becks Moon, Chair of Whitwick Netball Club said: “Having spent a year enduring infertility investigation leading to a further three and a half years of unsuccessful IVF treatment, I know all too well the mental and financial hardship it involves. Throughout years of treatment, netball was my escape. Being part of such an inclusive, empowering and dedicated club carried me through some difficult times. I was fortunate enough to be able to afford to pay my club fees to allow me that escape, but there were times when it was extremely tight and I know many others in my situation would have had no choice but to sacrifice netball.
“I don’t want any of our members to have to make that decision. The ability to launch our ‘Here If You Need’ scheme, which will provide discounted membership and support with netball associated costs will enable us to continue to empower the incredible women in our community.”
Whitwick Netball Club’s story provides a clear example of the impact that the fund will have. A proudly female sport, played by 3 million people annually, netball holds a unique place in the lives of the women and girls who play it. Yet research has found that 69% of women will take a break from the sport at some point during their lives. By subsidising player subscriptions and maintaining the club’s access to training facilities at a vulnerable point in women’s lives, the funding will help women to remain connected to the club and continue participating, regardless of their circumstances. The funding will also help Whitwick Netball Club create an environment where women feel truly supported through every stage of life, providing a leading example of how grassroots sport can support women’s health, wellbeing and performance.
With thanks to England Netball
