Netball
Netball has featured as the major girls’ sport in the Lent Term since co-education and has developed into one of the College’s most successful competitive sports. Marlborough girls have established an enviable reputation in netball, competing successfully at county, regional and national levels. We aim to provide a structured and varied programme leading to progress, enjoyment and a lasting love of the game. Opportunities for participation and inclusion are vast, within a fun and rewarding environment: 20 teams compete regularly, involving up to 240 pupils on matchdays, which gives every girl the opportunity to represent the College.
Marlborough netball has excellent links with Wiltshire County Development and Academy for those wishing to progress their playing experience. Furthermore, we are delighted to support our athletes who compete within the Team Bath, Surrey Storm and Severn Stars franchise pathways.
Our involvement and unity with the wider ‘netball family’ remains imperative to the continuing development of the sport at the College. These increased playing experiences, coupled with the expectation of ‘humility, hard work, team first’ values, seek to empower Marlborough girls as lifelong leaders both on and off the court.
Sophie Bingham
Head of Netball
Facilities
Fixtures and Tours
There is a full and competitive fixture list with 20 teams competing throughout the Lent Term. England Netball National Schools competitions are entered at U14, U16 and U19 level, with the College regularly hosting the Wiltshire county tournament in the Michaelmas Term. A talented U16 squad finished in the top ten at National Schools Finals in 2018; this was followed by a close third place Regionals finish in 2019 for the U14s.
In addition to National Schools, the 1st VII also enjoy competing at a range of tournaments including Seaford Sevens and the Bradfield College Invitational, which the Marlborough side won in 2018.
The island of Barbados immediately captured the hearts of the Marlborough team who enjoyed their immersion into Caribbean culture on tour in February 2018. Fixtures were held at Lester Vaughan Secondary School, St George Secondary School and the national netball stadium. Closer to home, a U15 side represented Marlborough College at the World Schools Netball Cup hosted at Loughborough University in June 2019. This inaugural event provided the opportunity to play alongside over 400 talented young netballers.
Collaborations
Marlborough is delighted to support talented players to pursue their goals within the England Player Pathway. This starts at U13 level with county satellite centres and players can progress to County Development, County Academy, and Superleague Academy and Performance squads.