Championing the Future of South West Talent

Flyhawk: Championing Netball’s Growth and the Future of South West Talent.

When it comes to the history of netball in England, few names carry the same weight as Team Bath Netball. With an unparalleled five Netball Super League titles, they stand as the most successful team in the competition’s history. However, despite their incredible legacy, Team Bath faced a significant setback when they were denied a place in the Netball Super League 2.0.

This decision raised concerns not only for Team Bath’s future but for netball in the South West of England — a region renowned for producing some of the most talented players in the country. For years, Team Bath has served as a platform for elite athletes and as a symbol of the South West’s tight-knit netball community.

Flyhawk’s Commitment to South West Netball
As a netball brand proudly based in the South West, Flyhawk felt the weight of this news deeply. As the kit partner for several South West netball clubs and academies— including Vortex Academy, Poole Netball Club, Aim Netball Academy, Western Park Blades, and the official kit supplier for Team Bath — we shared in the concerns about the future of netball in the region. Our commitment to breaking the barriers that keep young girls and women out of sport is a core part of who we are, and we understand the pivotal role that Team Bath has played in that journey by providing a tangible pathway to elite sport.

Team Bath’s Fight for the Future: Impossible to Ignore
However, true to their competitive spirit and commitment to the game, Team Bath refused to bow out of the spotlight and fought to enter the NXT GEN competition, a pivotal move in ensuring that elite netball continues to thrive in the region. What makes this even more significant is that Team Bath Netball is the only team in the NXT GEN competition without an affiliation to a current Netball Super League team. This is a testament to their unwavering dedication to the sport and to the players of South West England.

Their involvement in the competition also provides valuable exposure to Super League teams, as Team Bath players are eligible to be called up as Temporary Replacement Players (TRPs) for Super League clubs if any of their 10 registered players are unavailable due to short-term circumstances. As we recently saw with former Super League squad and current Team Bath NXT GEN Squad member Phoebe Maslen being called up to Birmingham Panthers and taking the court in their round 2 fixture. An exceptional opportunity for South West Talent who otherwise had no pathway to Super League Netball.

The Impact of Netball on the South West
Team Bath’s sold-out home games in Bath and Bristol have sent a powerful message about the passion and commitment South West England has for elite netball, with fans showing overwhelming support for the team. Perhaps the most heartwarming sight is the post-game scenes of eager young supporters lining up for autographs and selfies— just as they did during Team Bath’s Super League days.

Although the decision to exclude Team Bath from the Netball Super League 2.0 was a setback, their legacy is far from over. The NXT GEN competition has provided the South West with a new platform to showcase the next generation of netball stars. Flyhawk stands proudly behind Team Bath, continuing to support the growth of netball in the region and the development of young athletes who will shape the future of the sport in England.

It’s clear that the legacy of Team Bath netball remains strong — and the future is brighter than ever for elite netball in the region.