U13-U15 LUTON & DISTRICT TDP*
*Talent Development Programme

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 2025, this TDP (Talent Development Programme) will be for U13 to U15s and is exclusively for players that have a Luton (LU) postcode (or by exception, go to school in Luton area but don't have a LU postcode).

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 TDP focusses on individual athlete development rather than establishing squads or teams for competition. The TDP focusses 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 U15 PDP. There is no regular match play through the TDP but there will be some development games arranged against other similar standard teams and a mini-tournament at the end of the season with the Bedford-based PDPs. Ideally we recommend that the players do this programme in addition to their regular club or school netball, if available.

Players are selected after a few training sessions through pre-trials in September/October for the programme which runs from Nov-May. Information for the 2025-2026 season will be posted here and sent to schools nearer the time.

The PDP age groups is as follows:

U13 - This is open to players who will be in school years 7 or 8 from September of the year the programme starts
Must be under 13 years of age on 1st September 2025
U14 - This is open to players who will be in school year 9 from September of the year the programme starts.
Must be under 14 years of age on 1st September 2025
U15 - This is open to players who will be in school year 10 from September of the year the programme starts.
Must be under 15 years of age on 1st September 2025

DURATION AND STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMME

The TDP runs annually from October - May (November 3rd 2025 - May 11th 2026).

Taster sessions are running Sept 29th and October 6th with Screening on October 13th.

For those selected for the programme, there will be weekly (term-time) 2 hour training sessions and some occasional friendly match play. At the end of the programme we have a mixed age PDP mini-tournament and presentation evening.

In accepting a place all players are expected to commit totally to the TDP programme and non-attendance may jeopardise a player’s place in the TDP.

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: Anj Patel anj.patel2012@gmail.com

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 25/26 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

The Luton-based TDP if focussed on building netball excellence in the Luton & District area, so we only accept applications from players with a Luton (LU) postcode. We may an exception for talent identified players that go to school in the area but don't have a LU postcode. Each year the programme will take up to 20 Athletes who will be in school years 7, 8, 9 or 10 from September of the year the programme starts. They must be under 15 years of age on 1st September.

LUTON & DISTRICT TDP APPLICATION INFORMATION

Dates - Sept 29th and Oct 3rd Taster Sessions. Screening Monday 13th October
Venue: Cardinal Newman School, Warden Hill Rd, Luton LU2 7AE
Time: 6-8pm

If you wish to apply for a place in the Luton and District PDP please use the Google Form in this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhmGzn3z5r6zWToEAZQn6U4zAaC9n2sGRHHYbEYr9cQhfeDQ/viewform?pli=1

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 any trial payment, using your name, as follows: e.g. JSmithLutonTrial
Please use a reference for Programme fee, using your name as follows: e.g. JSmith LutonTDP