Netball

Year 11 Netball Weekend at Condover Hall

5 – 7 September 2025

On Friday 5 September, twelve Year 11 students set off from Notre Dame with the Head of Netball and Mrs PS for a packed weekend of netball coaching and outdoor adventure at Condover Hall, Shrewsbury. After a four-hour journey (with a much-needed Starbucks stop en route!), we arrived full of energy and excitement.

Friday afternoon began with a variety of outdoor activities including abseiling, climbing, high ropes, and the surprise favourite – axe throwing! After dinner, the group was treated to an inspirational session with Peace Proscovia, former Uganda International and Surrey Storm star, widely regarded as one of the most remarkable players in the netball world. Peace spoke openly about her journey into netball, explaining that she was once told she was “too tall” to play. At 6’4”, her height is now a huge asset. She also shared her personal story of only receiving her first pair of shoes – netball trainers – at the age of 18, which gave our students real perspective on the challenges faced by young people in other parts of the world.

Following further evening activities, an early night was in order to prepare for a busy Saturday. The day began with a specialist coaching session led by Peace herself – a rare privilege for our students, who found her both grounded and insightful. More outdoor adventures followed, with Aeroball emerging as a popular (if exhausting!) highlight.

The afternoon featured another coaching session and a fun shooting competition, “Killer,” in which Michelle E claimed an impressive 2nd place from a very large group of players (knocking out even the Head of Netball, courtesy of Khushi J!). Students also took part in a valuable Sports Psychology workshop and an informative talk on bra and breast health, with many surprised to discover they were not wearing the correct size. The day concluded with another high-energy netball session before dinner.

Sunday morning brought our first match against City of London School. All twelve players took to the court and put into practice what they had learned, showing real determination and team spirit. Although it wasn’t a win, the team impressed with their progress and Michelle E and Julia M were named MVPs by the opposition. Unfortunately, torrential rain forced the cancellation of the remaining fixtures, but instead students enjoyed an insightful session with a Team Bath NextGen player and a qualified strength and conditioning coach. A final workshop on nutrition and hydration rounded off the weekend before the journey home – a little quieter than the outbound trip!

The students represented Notre Dame superbly throughout, earning praise from the Masterclass team for their conduct and enthusiasm. A huge thank you goes to everyone who made this trip possible. We now look forward eagerly to our next netball adventure!

Do check out our Sports Instagram Reels which show the girls in action!

Lyn Hook, Head of Netball

Netball Partnership with London Pulse

New Notre Dame Netball Partnership with London Pulse for 2025/26

Notre Dame is delighted to announce our new and bespoke Gold Netball School Partnership with London Pulse, the leading Netball Super League (NSL) franchise in the country which commences in September 2025.

The London Pulse – Notre Dame School Gold Partnership is aimed at supporting us to deliver netball programmes that inspire and develop all our players/students, regardless of their current level of play, to reach their maximum potential whilst really enjoying playing the sport and growing their love of netball.

London Pulse is a leading netball club in England with professional athletes who believe in connecting with the next generation of young people in schools. Their Club Mission is to encourage and empower women and girls from all backgrounds to enjoy netball and to gain confidence from being part of a team, learning skills such as resilience, winning with grace, losing with dignity, perseverance and determination.

Our new Partnership will be delivered across all year groups from Prep, through Senior School and into Sixth Form providing consistency of coaching programmes, progressions in age relevant development. It is aimed at inspiring future netball players at the earliest ages to enjoy participating and learning about the game.

Core elements of the new programme include:

Development of player and team performance through building fundamental core skills, game awareness and becoming netball fit.

Provision of lesson and squad session plans for prep and senior school students.

Video access to skills and drills plus coaching library.

Year 6 – 7 secondary school transition support.

Strength and Conditioning/Fundamental skills and movement support to build on the foundations of fitness for senior school players.

In addition, Notre Dame will be organising game day school trips to see London Pulse play at The Copperbox next season.

Director of Sport, Mrs Purgavie said:…..

I am very excited to start this collaboration with London Pulse. This bespoke Gold Netball School Partnership is a fantastic opportunity to inspire and empower students of all levels to grow their skills, confidence, and love for the game. The commitment to holistic development—from Prep to Sixth Form—is an opportunity we couldn’t refuse and one we can’t wait to start in September. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the school community and the future stars of netball!

Head of Netball, Mrs Hook, Head Coach for U17 Pulse Power, commented:

I am delighted with the new London Pulse Netball Partnership which will provide a huge amount of support to continue to grow netball here. Notre Dame is one of the first schools investing in Gold Membership to provide a range of bespoke benefits to our netball students/players which can only be a positive investment. As a London Pulse Coach, I know first hand the commitment from the club to develop netballers at every age group and every ability level to ensure all can enjoy our great sport.

Mrs Lyn Hook, Head of Netball

Hockey

Hockey Season Off to a Flying Start

We kicked off the term with some fantastic pre-season hockey sessions last week, helping the girls get back into their stride and sharpen their skills. It’s been brilliant to see how much progress they’ve made, and to hear about the various summer hockey camps they attended. Many girls also took part in the Surrey trials, gaining valuable experience and learning a great deal.

We’re especially proud to share that Poppy H, Izzy M, and Freya S have all been selected for the Surrey County Squads, a wonderful achievement and a testament to their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to them all!

We’re looking forward to an exciting season ahead and can’t wait to see what the girls will accomplish next.

Mrs Helen Jelley, Head of Hockey

Equestrian

Gold for Lucy!

Congratulations to Lucy P who went to Felbridge for the NSEA competition last Sunday. She won the 70-75cm and came 4th in the 80-85cm arena eventing on her pony Taboo and came 11th in the Show Jumping on her pony Rio.

If you are interested in joining our Notre Dame Riding team, please do contact Olivia Looker olivia@westweylands.co.uk

Strength and Conditioning with Locker 27

Session 1

Starting this week, our girls began strength and conditioning training in the gym with Locker 27 as part of an exciting new weekly class. Jess and Grace from Locker 27 led the sessions, introducing a variety of movements designed to build skills, improve technique, and grow confidence in using the gym.

The girls showed fantastic energy and enthusiasm, and we’re looking forward to seeing their progress over the coming weeks!

Miss Clair Phillips, Head of Academic PE

Outside School Sporting Success

We love to hear about your daughters’ achievements in sport outside school. Please do share any photos and news with us and we will include it in the Friday Mailing!
(email lplummer@notredame.co.uk)

We also post videos and photos on our Sports Instagram Account so please do send any sports news throughout the term and we will aim to share it!

Notre Dame Sport (@notredamecobham_sport) • Instagram photos and videos

IronKids Medal for Amelia

During the summer, Amelia H, her younger sister and another Notre Dame friend, competed in the IronKids event in Zell am See, Austria. She swam 100m and ran 1300m along the last part of the Ironman 70.3 course. It was a fantastic experience for all of them! Well done!

Charlotte’s Charity South Coast Ultra Challenge

Charlotte – alongside her dad and his business team – succeeded in the South Coast Ultra Challenge this weekend raising a spectacular £7,500+ for children with cancer.

It was a very tough challenge and 57km across many hills and difficult terrain from Eastbourne to Hove – but she was absolutely determined and completed it in a record 12 hours.

Charlotte’s passion for volunteering and raising charity for cancer research has been quite impressive! Below are some photos of her challenge.

Well done Charlotte – we are very proud of you!

Senior Sports Board September 12th

Netball