Manchester Thunder in the community: a case study in collaboration and connection

Ahead of the 2025 Netball Super League (NSL) season, Manchester Thunder launched an exciting initiative to grow connections between the NSL squad and local grassroots teams.

With approximately 3 million people playing the sport annually, netball is the highest female participation sport in the UK and Manchester Thunder are determined to remove barriers to participation and enable even more people to play. This mission inspired a competition that the North West side ran throughout the 2025 season, giving grassroots teams the opportunity to win bespoke netball kit packages worth over £500.

Emphasising the Club’s commitment to using the power of sport to inspire the next generation of stars, the prize packages not only included netball kit bundles with bespoke dresses and t-shirt designs, but also tickets to watch a Manchester Thunder NSL game and an invite to an exclusive training session with Manchester Thunder athletes.

Out of over 200 entrants, the lucky winners were invited to this exclusive training session on 23 July, where they enjoyed a unique event that brought the elite and community games together seamlessly.

The winning teams comprised of different age groups and playing abilities from a range of different communities. From local clubs like Ribble Valley Netball Club (the first club of Vitality Roses star Nat Metcalf), to inspiring community groups such as Krimmz Girls (a club set up to serve Muslim girls in Bolton who can face additional barriers when trying to access traditional netball routes), there were a number of worthy winners.

Commenting on the initiative, Maya Nelson, Head Coach of Ribble Valley U11s said: “Getting the kit means a lot to the club. I think the dress, especially with them being different to our usual kit, is a really nice touch, and it’s something that we can wear to competitions and different events, and feel a little bit special. We’re always trying to recycle kit through pre-loved sales, so it’s nice for the girls to be able to be gifted something new through the competition, and not having to wear second hand kit. We were all absolutely buzzing and we couldn’t believe it.”

After the prizes were presented, Elia McCormick, Emma Rayner and Taylor McKevitt, three players from Manchester Thunder’s 2025 squad, ran an exclusive training session for the winners. All three players have inspired fans with their play on the NSL court this season, and this opportunity enabled the athletes to continue building connections with young girls in Thunder’s local communities, empowering grassroots clubs in new and innovative ways.

Clare Wallace, Head Coach of Thundercats U12s said: “When we won, we couldn’t believe it. We’ve already been to watch the Thunder match as part of the prize, and it was absolutely amazing, especially since it was the first time some of them had watched a professional match. And today we couldn’t believe we’re having a training session as well.

“The team that are receiving the kits are a newly formed team, so they’ve never been in the junior league before. They really can’t wait, and it’s taken the pressure off trying to find sponsorship, paying for the kits and they also look amazing.”

The Netball Super League will be back in 2026, with the player signing window currently open and teams beginning to announce their signings. Keep up to date with all the latest ins and outs on our live blog page here.

Images: Manchester Thunder