England Netball has appointed 13 individuals to a new NETBALLHer Advisory Board which will guide the future of the NETBALLHer initiative and contribute to shaping the broader sports landscape to better meet the needs of women and girls.
As it moves into its second year, the NETBALLHer initiative has emerged as a much-needed beacon of change towards empowerment and inclusivity for women and girls in sport, educating and supporting women and girls at all levels of sport about their female health across the different life stages and creating netball environments that are more supportive of female health and fit for purpose for women and girls.
NETBALLHer was launched in April 2023 as an initiative to better educate and support women and girls at all levels of sport about their female health across the different life stages driven by the knowledge that, whilst we know that netball enriches the lives of players aged five to 95, we cannot ignore that a number of life stages impact female lives both on and beyond the court. During these vulnerable times, women and girls are more likely to worry about showing up authentically, and stop playing, just when they need support the most, with 69% of women taking a break from playing netball at some point in their life and 41% of teenage girls taking a break or dropping out of playing netball completely. NETBALLHer is England Netball’s approach to creating environments where all women and girls can show up authentically, without apology and truly belong. *
Proudly leading the way as the first NGB to fully embed female health at every level, creating a systemic change, the NETBALLHer website and NETBALLHer Learning Offer provide expert advice, resources, infographics, and personal testimonies on topics ranging from pelvic health, puberty and the menopause to nutrition, bras and kit. England Netball staff, coaches, officials, volunteers and players across the country have embraced and embedded their learnings into their netball clubs, leagues and community programmes, creating environments in which players at all life stages feel educated and empowered to talk about their own bodies and female health in ways which they haven’t previously.
When surveyed, 66% of England Netball members believed that women and girls have gained more knowledge about their bodies and health inequalities as a result of the NETBALLHer website and digital toolkit, with 90% of those who completed the NETBALLHer Learning Offer agreeing that they now have a better understanding of the female body and 87% with an increased understanding of the health inequalities that affect women and girls. 90% of those who have completed the NETBALLHer Learning Offer also agree that NETBALLHer has strengthened England Netball as a voice in advocating for female health in sports. **
The appointment of the NETBALLHer Advisory Board marks England Netball’s commitment to continuing to drive transformative change for women and girls in netball and beyond and the Advisory Board will continue to build on this success with a focus on inclusivity, empowerment, and creating meaningful opportunities for women and girls through sport.
Led by Kelly Gordon, Chair and Executive Lead for NETBALLHer at England Netball, the NETBALLHer Advisory Board includes system leaders with the vision to push boundaries and drive progress across the sector. Uniting an exceptional group of leaders with influence and experience working across grassroots sport, health, governance, policy, elite sport, law and advocacy, all of whom are dedicated to advancing opportunities for women and girls.
Members of the NETBALLHer Advisory Board are:
Kelly Gordon – Chair, NETBALLHer Executive Lead at England Netball, and Independent Consultant
Fran Connolly – CEO, England Netball
Jeanette Bain-Burnett – Executive Director of Policy and Integrity, Sport England
Gemma Duff – Solicitor and Partner, Thrings LLP and NETBALLHer Champion
Dr Layla Guscoth – former Vitality Rose and Doctor
Sarah Gandon – Director of Player Services, Netball Players Association
Kate Hannon – Director, Fearless Women
Natalie Haskell – CEO, CoppaFeel!
Dr Helen Kini – NHS GP/Trainer, Lifestyle Medicine Physician, British Menopause Specialist, Director of Flourish for Life
Lisa O’Keefe MBE – Secretary General, International Working Group (IWG)
Emily Reynolds – National Programmes Director, Youth Sport Trust
Andy Taylor – CEO, Active Partnerships National Organisation
Lisa West – Head of Policy, Partnerships and Public Affairs, Women in Sport
With expertise from a range of transformative leaders to the unique medical perspective that Dr Layla Guscoth and Dr Helen Kini can offer combined with a strong male ally for gender equality in Andy Taylor, the NETBALLHer Advisory Board is poised to drive transformative change across the women’s sports landscape. As the Netball Super League (NSL) relaunches in 2025, the NETBALLHer Advisory Board will also play a key role in supporting England Netball and the NSL into this new era, ensuring that the specific needs of the female body are considered among plans for the League’s relaunch.
Speaking about the announcement, England Netball CEO Fran Connolly commented: “The NETBALLHer Advisory Board is crucial for guiding England Netball into an exciting new era. Their leadership and expertise will help shape the future of the sport, ensuring we continue to push boundaries and create lasting impact for women and girls across all levels and life stages of netball and beyond.”
Chair of the NETBALLHer Advisory Board Kelly Gordon added: “This is a pivotal moment for NETBALLHer as we embark on an exciting new chapter, led by visionary leaders driving transformative change for women and girls across the sports system. The NETBALLHer Advisory Board, with its wealth of expertise and forward-thinking leadership, will play a critical role in pushing the boundaries of what is possible, not just in netball but in shaping the future of women’s and girls’ sports as a whole.
“Their commitment to breaking down barriers and creating meaningful, lasting change will ensure that this movement continues to be a catalyst for progress, empowerment, and inclusivity.”
NHS GP and member of the NETBALLHer Advisory Board Dr Helen Kini reflected on her position on the Board saying: “I am really excited to be part of this Advisory Board alongside such inspirational leaders. I am passionate about the power of physical activity for both our mental and physical health and I am keen to support girls and women to engage and remain active throughout all their life stages.”
To join England Netball in this movement, find out more about the different female life stages and how best to support women and girls in sport, visit the NETBALLHer website to find a wealth of articles, diagrams and videos from experts on topics that impact females at different life stages.
And, if you’re an England Netball member, why not register today for our FREE NETBALLHer Learning Offer exclusive to England Netball members***!
The Learning Offer is an online course that allows members to upgrade their female health knowledge on topics that directly impact women and girls, such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause and puberty. The course is perfect for players, parents, coaches and any other supporters in the Netball Family who are regularly in contact with women and girls – including males.
Not a member yet? Join or renew your membership today here.
Follow England Netball on Facebook, X and Instagram to view more about NETBALLHer and to see more conversations being opened up about women’s health.
*According to research conducted by England Netball.
**According to research conducted by England Netball and Women in Sport.
*Over 18 and Secondary School group members.
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