Unleashing Potential: University of Nottingham Becomes Performance Partner for Nottingham Forest Netball

Netball Excellence: University of Nottingham and Nottingham Forest Netball Team Up

The University of Nottingham stands proudly as a symbol of academic excellence and innovative research, securing its position as the 32nd-best university in Europe and 16th in the UK, according to the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024. As a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, the university boasts a research-intensive environment that drives global impact, with its reach extending to vibrant campuses in China and Malaysia. Celebrated for its outstanding contributions to sports, it has been named Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, achieving this accolade for the third time since 2018, as well as by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.

Renowned for its research prowess, the university ranks seventh in the UK for research power, as per REF 2021. Its groundbreaking innovations, including the development of MRI and ibuprofen, address some of the world's most pressing challenges, from sustainable food production and combatting modern slavery to pioneering greener transport solutions and reducing fossil fuel dependence. This institution's commitment to excellence in education and research continues to make a profound impact on a global scale.

The University of Nottingham, a major employer and industry partner, is known for producing graduates highly sought after by top UK employers. Through its ‘Universities for Nottingham’ initiative with Nottingham Trent University, it aims to boost prosperity, sustainability, and well-being in the region. The university has partnered with Nottingham Forest Netball, using its state-of-the-art David Ross Sports Village facilities to host the team's training programme.

The NFN's first team will train at the David Ross Sports Village, utilizing indoor courts with advanced performance analysis technology and strength and conditioning facilities in the High-Performance Zone. The university will also support the England Netball Performance Pathway by providing training facilities at both the David Ross Sports Village and Sutton Bonington Sports Centre for emerging NFN players. The partnership will offer unique opportunities for the University of Nottingham's student-athletes, particularly aspiring netball stars, whether they aim to join NFN's first team or pursue a career in sports. Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Norman expressed pride in welcoming Nottingham Forest Netball, describing the partnership as a key step in aligning with the university’s civic goals to build strong local connections and create life-changing opportunities for students.

Paul Bell, Chief Business Officer at Nottingham Forest, expressed excitement about the partnership with the University of Nottingham, praising its sports facilities and commitment to athletic excellence. He noted the pride of having the university’s branding on their first netball dress, symbolizing a shared commitment to growing sport in the city and beyond. Jo Simpson, Chief Commercial Officer at the University of Nottingham, highlighted the partnership as a collaboration between the university and one of Nottingham's iconic sports brands. She noted the university’s three-time recognition as Sports University of the Year and emphasized their shared passion for excellence, innovation, and sport. Simpson described the partnership as the start of a journey to impact sport locally and globally.

The university’s Netball club is one of the largest in its Students’ Union, with six BUCS teams and two IMS development teams. It offers weekly training, umpiring and coaching courses, and supports all players, from those seeking fitness to high-performance athletes aiming for the Netball Super League or England's national squad, the Roses. Several University of Nottingham students, including Anna Fairclough, Tabitha Tooms, Kelechi Ambros, Isabel Cunnington, Lily Smith, and Regan Peters, are representing NFN in the U23s NXT Gen League. This league offers extended opportunities for emerging talent, nurturing world-class players and creating a pipeline for the Netball Super League.

Three students, Issy Donnelly, Madi Baxter, and Grace Kinsey, are part of the NFN U19s performance pathway, working with England Netball’s Framework to support emerging netball talent. Nottingham Forest Netball (NFN), a newly formed club, will join the Netball Super League in 2025, with home fixtures at the Motorpoint Arena. The club aims to develop a unique brand for Nottingham Netball under the Nottingham Forest banner. The partnership offers students exciting opportunities, including a training masterclass with NFN Head Coach Chelsea Pitman, appearances by NFN players, and work placements in areas like press and media, marketing, performance analysis, and social media.

Students will receive discounted tickets to fixtures, and the partnership offers promotional access through Nottingham Forest's global channels, including its Premier League fanbase. The university’s brand will be featured on the Netball Super League dress, warm-up t-shirts, and NFN's digital platforms. The season will start on March 8 at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield with the Netball Super Cup, followed by 14 weekly league matches. The relaunch will see 50% of games played in major arenas, with live coverage on Sky Sports, reaching a broader audience. This partnership amplifies the University of Nottingham's commitment to academic and athletic excellence and sets the stage for groundbreaking opportunities and community impact.

Editor's Note

The University of Nottingham is a global leader in research and education, ranked 32nd in Europe and 16th in the UK by QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024. Known for groundbreaking research, such as MRI and ibuprofen, the university tackles major global issues like sustainable food and greener transport. What sets the university apart is its commitment to partnerships and community engagement. Its collaboration with Nottingham Forest Netball, using state-of-the-art facilities at the David Ross Sports Village, goes beyond sports, creating valuable opportunities for students and strengthening local ties. The university also plays a key role in shaping the future, with graduates highly sought after by top employers and initiatives like Universities for Nottingham, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, focused on improving regional prosperity, sustainability, and well-being.

Skoobuzz appreciates the university for leading the way in excellence, innovation, and community impact.