Hucclecote Netball Club: A National League Team!

In line with our aim to promote local clubs in our Community, in this edition we focus on the Hucclecote Ladies Netball Club (HNC). The club is unique in that from its humble beginnings as a village team it has developed into an “elite” Netball club now recognised both regionally and nationally, as a Netball hub for any players with the ambition to succeed at Netball.

The club has been in existence for over 30 years and now boasts 7 senior ladies teams, 5 teams for girls from U12 to U16 and for the younger ones between 7 and 10years old Fun games and friendlies are organised.
The 1st team are in the National Premiere League 1 which involves travelling to play teams in London, Bath, Leeds, Oldham and as far away as Hartlepool! The squad are currently in 4th place in the league and expected to finish there with one game to go! They always “hold their own” in what is a very competitive environment. The squad has a blend of youth and experience, including players who have represented their country at International level. These include: Paige Reed, An England U17 player and Rosie Allinson who is the U21 Shooter for England!

Premier First Team Manager and current Chairperson is Sue Wainwright who helped to start the club back in the early 1980’s, she was instrumental in initiating Hucclecote’s success, by encouraging the club to grow and open its doors to the many talented younger players at the club today. Sue and Coach Chrissie Weaver, have a very talented and well organised squad.

In line with the club’s ambition and continuous improvement policy, Chrissie was recruited before the start of this season on the basis she was best equipped to take the club forward. Her previous role as a Welsh Junior Coach gave her the credentials Hucclecote were looking for! Chrissie is from Cardiff and travels each week to attend Coaching sessions in Cheltenham and matches wherever the location may be, whilst being paid travelling expenses only! Apparently, this is typical of the Netball players and officials at the Hucclecote club. Although local players are involved, there are also several players who travel from Cardiff, Bath, Marlborough, Swindon and Worcester to train and play at HNC.

The HNC Youth policy is certainly paying dividends. Weekly training sessions are held at Cheltenham Ladies College as there are no suitable facilities in Gloucester. All age groups are always well attended, as ambitious players and parents devote both time and expense to ensure that these young players get the best coaching and playing opportunities that are available. The junior section is particularly strong with over a 100 players attending the Coaching sessions every week. That is quite a commitment, but it is a standard expected of netball players with the ambition and potential to become Internationals and that in itself epitomises exactly what the Hucclecote Netball Club can offer!

To put this clubs achievements into perspective, consider this: HNC is recognised as a feeder club and stepping stone to the England National Team! The Super League teams of Bath and Loughborough will gladly send players to Hucclecote to gain experience before they move to Super League and England duty! Despite their success in this sport, HNC have considerable expenses to meet each year and without any current sponsorship, self-funding is essential. Players, Coaches and Officials contribute extensively to meet costs of playing, coaching and providing their own personal kit!

HNC, is undoubtedly, a Community treasure, but, does any business in the Gloucestershire area realise what a hidden gem we have in our midst? Perhaps someone may recognise the sponsorship opportunity on offer by HNC, who are already are established in the Top National Netball league, just one level below the Super League which is now being televised on Sky sports! Surely, it cannot be long before the coverage is extended to National Premier League 1 which of course will include HNC.

Before meeting with Sue, I did not realise the status of the Hucclecote Netball Club in the National Netball arena. However, we should all recognise the important role that this club plays in our Community and the high esteem and recognition placed on the club by the National governing body – England Netball.

Finally, potential sponsors, why not take the plunge and contact Sue Wainwright on: 01452 619106 / 07760 491703 to discuss this sponsorship opportunity!