Netball France launch Flyhawk kit

Netball France is today proud to launch their official brand identity.This forms part of the journey to becoming a fully-fledged member of Europe Netball and World Netball – the sport’s key international member and governing organisations.

Designed in close collaboration with Flyhawk, and in consultation with the key stakeholders of the French sporting movement and the international netball community, the branding aims to reflect Netball France’s values and vision
for the future of the sport in the country and pay tribute to the great sporting legacy of France, to which it aspires to contribute and continue.

The brand’s red, white and blue, as well as the hexagonal feature, are iconic and emblematic of sport in France, which will sit comfortably alongside the rich bleus tradition in French sport. The figures, opponents on the court, in fierce but fair contest, reflect the true values and nature of netball; figures that are left deliberately androgynous to reflect the inclusive and open-to-all culture that the Netball France board and its member organisations are striving to cultivate in the growth and the development of the game in this new territory.

The board is excited to have reached this significant step in the organisation’s journey and extremely pleased with the work completed by Flyhawk in designing and developing this visual identity.

Netball France was established in 2020, and is seeking to become the sole governing body for netball in France as recognised by the Ministère des Sports, the French Sports Ministry, a process that should be completed in early 2023. With eight foundation clubs across France, each represented on the Netball France board, the organisation is being supported by Europe Netball and World Netball, the sole internationally recognised governing body for netball, in their endeavours to reach full member status at a national and international level.

Netball France’s vision is to ensure netball is a thriving, world-class sport in France, with a
mission in three pillars:
• leading the sustainable growth of netball across all levels from grassroots to elite level
in France;
• advancing organisational infrastructure to allow players and supporters to enjoy netball
at all levels for life; and
• empowering their members to succeed and thrive in all areas of life.

The organisation is equally driven by their values of respect, integrity, ambition, and creativity,
to empower and to connect.

Alongside today’s brand identity launch, Netball France is also pleased to confirm the inaugural ‘Coupe de France de Netball’ (Netball France Cup) will take place on Saturday 25th September 2021at The British School of Paris (COVID permitting). This tournament will feature eighteen teams from across France, competing across three divisions and will be an ideal occasion for the netball community in France to come together and celebrate the progress made thus far.

This will be followed on Sunday 26th September 2021 by a netball taster day; an opportunity for players and potential players under 18 years old to attend a clinic led by players from England’s premier netball competition, the Vitality Netball Super League (VNSL) (COVID permitting), where they’ll discover the skills and conventions of netball in an inclusive, covid-safe environment.

To prepare for these activities, Netballl France will soon launch a series of recorded, at-home training videos, developed in conjunction with a leading member of the VNSL, and designed for both experienced and beginner netballers of all ages. More information on these initiatives to follow.

Bethany Lord, inaugural President of Netball France said:
“I am incredibly excited to today launch Netball France’s new brand identity, an identity that encapsulates our values, our country and our sport. This new identity is the first in a number of exciting developments to raise the profile of netball and to provide netball to all in France, and I look forward to working with our Board, our members and our stakeholders to continue to drive the sport into a new era.”

Steph Essex, Director and Founder of Flyhawk said:
“When we set up Flyhawk as a women-led, netball-focused apparel and branding specialist, our aspiration was to work with the new generation of netball leaders. Contributing to the visual identity of a modern, fresh netball governing body that is nonetheless steeped in French sporting tradition, is perfectly aligned with our desire to celebrate the sport we love and unite the community which surrounds it.”

Lauren Forrow, Vice President of Netball France said:
“The launch of our branding is the first of many exciting developments to raise the profile of netball in France, and we are looking forward to working closely with our partner organisations and members to grow opportunities to participate, officiate and progress within the French community.”

Laura Pech Hylton, French Director of Netball France said:
“As a French native with English origins, I am proud to see the establishment of this organisation in my native land, and the announcement of this new branding direction to guide us into the new era of netball in France.”

Clare Briegal, CEO of World Netball said:
“World Netball is excited by the progress made by this emerging netball nation; we hope to be able to welcome them as a World Netball Member in the near future, as we continue to grow, to play and to inspire.”

Catherine Lewis, Chair of Europe Netball said:
Europe Netball are pleased to support the growth of the fantastic sport of netball in France. We are working with them to achieve their goal of national recognition in their country with full membership of the region and access to its international tournaments.