ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Our mission is to grow, support, and celebrate netball across the county by providing inclusive opportunities for players, coaches, umpires, and volunteers. We are committed to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment where everyone can develop their skills, enjoy the game, and be part of a thriving netball community.
CHAIR
Stacey Howell
I have a great passion for netball and developing pathways for young athletes, I have been part of the Northants County for over 20 years and am excited to be given the opportunity to develop this County to a new level from grass roots through to senior leagues as Chair.
I am a dynamic, inclusive, and driven Netball Coach with a proven record of building competitive teams, developing athletes, and driving measurable performance improvements. Skilled in coaching across youth, elite, and community levels, with expertise in tactical planning, player development, and fostering a high-performance culture. Recognised for securing league titles, developing players into regional and national squads, and achieving long-term squad retention.
Over the years I have demonstrated within the County strong leadership, innovation in coaching, and a player-centred approach that balances performance demands with athlete wellbeing.
I have experience of working with in NSL franchises and more recently on a International level with EMMNA.
VICE CHAIR
Jackie Brookes
I am the current chair of KNL (Kettering Netball league) and have been since 2003. Beyond netball admin, I am still an active player, captain, and umpire within the local and regional netball landscape. I was fortunate to captain Northants Storm senior 2nd team for three seasons, but now just love to play with my daughter and friends to stay fit and healthy. As a level 2 coach, I facilitate sessions working with other coaches to deliver FUNdamental and engaging activities for players up to age 16. My coaching at this age group aligns with the tutoring and development work I complete for YST (Youth Sports Trust) and the FA in raising physical activity levels in young people and addressing the barriers and motivations of females in sport, an area I hugely passionate about. Outside of netball I run my own business supporting PE teachers and PE departments nationwide to offer a well-balanced and thriving academic curriculum.
SECRETARY
Alison Davies
I returned to netball when my daughter started playing in 2011, I hadn’t played since school. I began umpiring under duress, in 2016 and since then have enjoyed it more each season. My proudest achievement in netball was gaining my B Award in Jan 2024. I am now an Assessor and Level One Coach. I am passionate about supporting all new umpires and players in enjoying our wonderful game.
PERFORMANCE LEAD
Kelly Washington
I have spent the majority of my life in the world of netball whether that be on court as an ex-international player, Coaching Loughborough Lightning U15s & U17s, Co-founding one of the Most successful Northamptonshire clubs or Leading the Performance TSG for East Midlands Netball.
As a youth player I had to travel near & far across the country to access the netball I needed in order to progress. It has since been my life's work to try and make sure that talented Northamptonshire Netball Players get the access to quality performance netball right her within our county".
SAFEGUARDING OFFICER
Alison Barrett
I've played netball since the age of 10 and continue to play socially, it’s a sport I’ve always loved. Both my teenage daughters now play too, and I coach at Futureprint Netball Club.
Outside of netball, I’m a children’s occupational therapist and run my own business supporting children with additional needs in schools. I’ve have previously been Chair of Governors at a local primary school and a Trustee for a local academy trust, with a focus on safeguarding and SEND.
I’m really passionate about both netball and safeguarding, and I’m here to help make sure everyone involved in our county netball feels safe, included and supported.
GENERAL MEMBER
Libby Behrens
I am currently Membership Secretary of the Wellingborough Netball League. Netball is my passion, I play, umpire and coach back to netball teams. I have just started umpire mentoring and it’s fantastic to see so many people putting their hand up for learning the skill! In my professional life I work as an operations director for a VFX studio and I love my tech which I try and make use of in my netball volunteering.
ENGLAND NETBALL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Kelly Thompson
England Netball in December 2011 where I was previously a volunteer on the Northamptonshire County Netball Association Committee as secretary for two years. My role as England Netball Development Officer involves working across Northamptonshire with clubs, schools, volunteers including coaches and officials, working with partner organisations such as Northamptonshire Sport and local leisure providers who all have a key focus on developing women’s sport especially netball. Working and developing netball at grassroots level means I meet so many inspiring women and girls who not only share the sport I love but also give up many hours to keep our sport at the forefront of female sport and of course we all shared the winning moment of England being crowned Commonwealth Gold medalists in 2018 and World Cup Silver medalists in 2023, a dream come true.
GENERAL MEMBER
Katie Davis
I’ve been playing netball in Northamptonshire since 2011 and I have loved participating in the sport. Encouraging and empowering women to take up netball is a passion of mine, as well as celebrating what our local community can achieve. I sit on the committees of two local leagues and captain a high performing team in one of these leagues. Making netball as inclusive and enjoyable for all members at all levels in our county is a passion and drive of mine.
Outside of netball. I am the Head of Science for a local secondary school
HELPFUL LINKS TO ENGLAND NETBALL - COMING SOON!