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

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 Oct-April. Information for the 2026-2027 season will be posted here

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

DURATION AND STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMME

The Development programme runs annually from October - April

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:

attend training on a Monday evening and
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.

TRAINING DETAILS

Timings: Mondays, 6.00pm - 8.00pm.

Lead Coach: Rachel Lewis.

Assistant Coach: Sasha Leonce.

Administrator: tbc

Venue: Cardinal Newman School, Warden Hill Rd, Luton LU2 7AE.

Please note the venue may change depending on availibility.

PROGRAMME COST

The PDP cost for the 26/27 season is £200. Athletes are also required to be affiliated to England Netball and Bedfordshire County and East Region, and are also required to purchase the following kit:

- Bedfordshire Netball Heritage Hoodie.

- 1 Bedfordshire Netball Training T-shirt or Vest.

Also required but athletes may already have:

- Size 5 netball (named).

- Clothing layers & alternative footwear for before / after sessions.

- Waterbottle.

- Strapping for known injuries.

- Resistance Bands

ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY

tbc

Bedfordshire Development Academy

Dates - October-April (tbc)
Venue: Cardinal Newman School, Warden Hill Rd, Luton LU2 7AE
Time: 6-8pm

If you wish to apply for a place in the BDNA please use the Google Form in this link:

https://forms.gle/4xHwjUwfocra6YUY8

For payment of trials or 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