The NPA partners with the Jacobs Futura Foundation to fund bespoke Player Development Programme

The Netball Players Association partners with the Jacobs Futura Foundation to fund the design and delivery of ‘The Next Quarter’ a bespoke Player Development Programme for the UK’s elite netballers.

The Netball Players Association (NPA) are proud to announce a new three-year funding partnership with the Jacobs Futura Foundation (JFF) and to launch The Next Quarter, a unique player led personal development programme to support elite netballers on and off the court and to prepare them for transitions throughout their sporting career, whenever that may occur.

This strategic collaboration will see JFF invest in the long-term wellbeing and success of netball players by supporting initiatives that build life and career skills, enhance education and employment pathways, and prepare athletes for meaningful transitions after sport.

The Next Quarter will be bespoke to the needs of female athletes, focused on personal growth, financial literacy, mental wellbeing, leadership development, and career readiness. Through this partnership, players will have access to mentoring, workshops, and one-on-one support aimed at empowering them through every phase of their playing careers and beyond. The detailed design of the programme will be undertaken through a co-design process involving current and retired players alongside other stakeholders.

Jacobs Futura Foundation Sports Portfolio Lead, Rachel Lewis, said, the NPA driven initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to driving positive, lasting change in the sporting community:

“Athletes are leaders, role models, and changemakers both during and after their professional careers. The Next Quarter ensures that elite netballers are supported in all aspects of their development – not just while they’re playing, but as they transition into life after sport. We’re proud to be partnering with the NPA to make this vision a reality.”

Netball Players Association CEO, Liz Bloor welcomed the partnership, noting its transformational potential within elite netball:

“This is a pivotal moment for our athletes and the netball community. The Next Quarter is about preparing players for whatever comes next – equipping them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive well beyond the court. We are most grateful to the Jacobs Futura Foundation for their foresight and belief in our athletes.”

This is an exciting opportunity for the NPA to fulfil its long-held ambition to be able to support its members in a way that is uniquely tailored to the needs of elite female athletes as netball moves to professionalisation and involving the players in the design and delivery of the programme will be integral to its success and sustainability.  

NPA Player Chair Ella Clark said. “We are excited at the opportunity that The Next Quarter project will provide for the current NSL playing group and the athletes coming through the NXT Gen league. Navigating professionalisation for female athletes is complex. The support and individual development opportunities that this programme aims to provide will enable each individual athlete to thrive beyond netball whatever path their career takes. Being involved in the co-design group I am looking forward to contributing my experience from the outset”       

For more information contact info@netballpa.com