The NPA are delighted to announce that while Layla Guscoth is taking some time away from her netball career she has been appointed as an Alumni Board member to strengthen the player voice around the board table. Layla’s career to date has seen her achieve 60 caps and win an historic silver medal at the recent Netball World Championships where she was co-captain. Her leadership skills, her experience of playing in both the UK and Australia and her International career with England will enable her to bring a depth of knowledge and experience to the board.
“I have been looking to get more involved with the NPA for the last couple of years and this feels like the best time for me to contribute to the organisation and support the board in the next strategic cycle. It is an exciting time for netball, but some of the changes will be challenging and I want to be part of supporting the current players through it.” said Layla of her appointment.
Along with the appointment of Layla to the board, there will be additional changes to the management structure of the NPA.
Liz Bloor, currently managing Director, will move to the role of CEO remaining the strategic lead for the organisation on a two day a week contract.
Sarah Gandon, currently our Player Development Manager, has been promoted to the role of Director of Player Services.
Genevieve Gordon-Thomson, who is currently an associate of the NPA, retained to provide commercial and legal support as and when required, will take on the newly created role of Director of Commercial and Legal.
As Fran Williams, our Player Chair, will not be playing in England in season 2024 she will be stepping down at the end of January 2024. We will be recruiting a new Player Chair to take forward the excellent work that Fran has done leading the Player Rep group and bringing the players’ view into the heart of the NPA.
Liz Bloor, CEO said “The NPA has been in existence for 6 years and over this time it has evolved significantly and grown to be a proactive and innovative organisation making a positive difference to its members and contributing strongly on their behalf to the development and growth of the elite netball environment. We have an ambitious strategy for 2024 - 2027 which will make a significant contribution to the growth and professionalisation of netball and the wellbeing of the players involved and these changes to our management and governance structure will ensure we can deliver for our members”.
Photo credit - England Netball