BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY NETBALL ASSOCIATION
Bedfordshire Development Netball Academy
OVERVIEW
In Beds county we want to provide development opportunities for all our potential netball athletes of the future.
We have recognised the need for a netball development hub in the Luton & District area where netball is not as prevalent in schools as it is in the Bedford area. From 2026, this Development Programme will be for U12 to U14s ideally to support players in and around the Luton & District area, and for players that missed out on County PDP places.
The programme is designed for talented young athlete/players who we feel are displaying potential to improve their netball skills further. ​The players are supported and challenged by the best coaches in an optimal learning environment. The programme focusses on individual athlete development rather than establishing squads or teams for competition. It will focus on technical, tactical, physical and psychological skills to help athletes reach their maximum potential, develop a lifelong passion for the sport, and for some, progress into the Bedford-based County PDPs (Player Development Programme for the top 20 players in the county). There is no regular match play but there will be some development games arranged against other similar standard teams. Ideally we recommend that the players do this programme in addition to their regular club or school netball, if available.
Depending on number of applicants players may be selected after a few training sessions through pre-trials in September/for the programme which will run from Nov-April.
The Academy age groups is as follows: U12/13/14
Must be starting Year 7, 8 or 9 in Sept 2026 and under 14 years of age on 1st September 2026​. Some Year 10 players may be included in the BDNA depending on places available.
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DURATION AND STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMME
The Development programme runs annually from November - April
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For those selected for the programme, there will be weekly (term-time) 2 hour training sessions and some occasional friendly match play. ​In accepting a place all players are expected to commit totally to the programme and non-attendance may jeopardise a player’s place .
We expect all players to:
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attend training on a Monday evening and
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fulfil elements of the training programme at home during the week e.g. ball and wall work, shooting practise, strength and conditioning fitness where possible.
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Bring the following to the sessions: Size 5 netball (named) if you have one. Clothing layers & alternative footwear for before / after sessions. Waterbottle (plenty of water or isotonic drink). Energy snack. Strapping for known injuries.
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TRAINING DETAILS
Timings: Mondays, 6.30pm - 8.30pm.
Lead Coach: Rachel Lewis.
Assistant Coach: Sasha Leonce.
Administrators: Mandy Mistlin and Trish Neill​
Venue: Cardinal Newman School, Warden Hill Rd, Luton LU2 7AE.
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PROGRAMME COST
The BDNA cost for the 26/27 season is £200.
For payment of the programme fee please use the following details:
Account Name: Bedfordshire County Netball Association
Sort Code: 40-12-19
Account No: 11213474
Please use a reference for Programme fee, using your name as follows: e.g. JSmith BDNA​
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ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY
Athletes from Luton and District will be prioritised, but candidates from other parts of Beds County can apply.
The BDNA is only open to those players that are not in a County PDP programme.
If you wish to apply for a place in the BDNA please use the Google Form in this link:
BDNA 2026/2027
Amelie Beckett Isabelle Walsh
Amy Fernandes-Lopes Layla Proctor
Ava Reed Lois Freeman
Clara Gregory Lyla Crouch
Darci Kean Maddy Ramscar
Eliana Aladewolu Paige Kean
Eva Maclachlan Sariah Thomas
Grace Yirrell Scarlett Teivans-Byrne
Holly Walker Sophie Dooley
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