England Netball has announced it will be working with business advisory and accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael to support the growth of grassroots netball in the North East region.
Coinciding with the opening of its first Newcastle office, Johnston Carmichael’s partnership with England Netball demonstrates the firm’s commitment to make a positive impact in the community it is working within.
Speaking about the announcement, Maisie Jackson, Head of Partnerships at England Netball, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Johnston Carmichael as a partner and are excited to work together to support the growth of community netball in the North East region.
“Johnston Carmichael shares our ambition to open the game for new audiences and ensure that netball is a sport for all at every stage of life. This partnership presents an exciting opportunity to make a real impact on grassroots women’s sport in the North East and we are looking forward to working with Johnston Carmichael to empower and equip those delivering community netball in the region to create outstanding experiences for all involved.”
Speaking on behalf of Johnston Carmichael, Paul Shields, Audit Partner and Newcastle Office Lead, said: “Following our successful launch into the North East, we wanted to form a meaningful partnership with an organisation which would have a positive impact on the lives of local people now and in the future.
“From the very beginning of our conversations with England Netball it was clear that our values and ambitions for the region aligned, so it’s really exciting to announce this partnership which will focus on growing opportunities for participation in netball for all ages. Funding will support three key areas, from introducing the next generation to netball and developing future coaches and umpires, to supporting clubs with essential operating costs from equipment to kits.
“As a business our focus is on driving impact, for our clients, our people and our community. We know first-hand what greatness comes from being part of a supportive team with shared aspirations and drive, which is what playing team sports is all about. With this partnership, we want to make it easier for local people to access sports and benefit from being part of a netball community. As a wider business we already have a strong affiliation with netball having partnered with Netball Scotland for the past two years and the impact of this has been fantastic, so to be supporting participation in the North East is something we’re really passionate about.”
In partnership with Johnston Carmichael, England Netball is committed to unlocking the game for more communities to enjoy, ensuring that netball is a place where everyone can belong, flourish and soar. The partnership will be focused on three principal areas of investment. Firstly, an investment into the growth of Bee Netball in primary schools and junior netball clubs in the North East will introduce netball to more children who will form the next generation of players in the region.
There will also be the establishment of a Development Fund for the provision of funding grants that will support England Netball registered clubs in the North East region’s ability to manage increasing venue hire, equipment and coaching costs.
Finally, a Training Fund will be provided for individual England Netball members in the North East to apply for grants to cover the cost of selected officiating and coaching courses. This will enable more people to undertake the vital qualifications that are essential to making the game happen in the region.
Approximately 3 million people play netball annually in England, making it the most played female team sport in the country. By providing financial investment into the sport’s growth at a grassroots level, this partnership therefore aims to deliver a lasting legacy and impact on the growth of women’s sport in the North East region.
