New Board formed to lead campaign for return of elite netball to the South West

A new strategic Board has been formally established to lead the South West’s campaign to secure the return of elite netball to the region.

The Board brings together an exceptional group of senior leaders from across sport, governance, legal, and business sectors, each appointed to Non-Executive Director (NED) roles to guide the region’s ambition to develop a strong and compelling case to re-enter the Netball Super League (NSL) as and when an opportunity arises.

The South West has long been recognised for its strong netball culture, deep club networks, and thriving participation base. The creation of this Board represents a major milestone in the region’s collective push to restore its presence within the elite netball landscape.

The newly appointed NEDs include:

• Millie Broadbent, Head of Legal and Governance at Commonwealth Sport, bringing deep experience in regulatory frameworks, major events governance, and international sport integrity.
• Jonathan Finch, Director of Women’s Cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board, bringing extensive high-performance sport leadership and strategic development expertise.
• Matthew Joy of JMP, marketing leader and creative strategist with a track record in growing sports brands and shaping impactful, fan-led campaigns across community and elite sport.
• Sue Porto, an experienced CEO and Non-Exec Director across multiple sectors, Sue brings a wealth of leadership and business development expertise as well as a passion for sport and is a GB Age Group triathlete. 

They will join existing Board members Stuart Doughty (Chair), Claire Ferguson (EDI) and a representative from the University of Bath.

The Board is tasked with shaping and delivering a comprehensive campaign and submission that will demonstrate the South West’s readiness to host elite netball once again. This work will encompass community engagement, talent pathway alignment, venue and event feasibility, commercial and investment opportunities, and long-term sustainability planning.

Stuart Doughty welcomed the appointments, stating: “This new Board has been crafted on the need for specialist skills and experience, and an unwavering ambition within each person to return netball in the South West to the NSL. With a proud history of developing players who go on to compete at the highest levels, our region’s commitment to nurturing talent is clear. Our next step is to establish a strong business model that matches this support and captures the South West’s unrivalled passion for the sport.”

The Board will collaborate closely with the University of Bath as the original rights holder, regional sporting bodies, local authorities, universities, clubs and community groups to ensure the submission reflects the full breadth of support and capability across the region.

As the current custodians of England Netball’s Player Pathway in the South West, delivered under the Team Bath Netball banner, the University of Bath has played an active role in establishing the Board. It will continue to provide interim logistical, administrative and marketing support while the Board progresses toward becoming self-sufficient in the near future.

Claire Nelson, MD of the Netball Super League, commented: “We welcome conversations with any interested parties that aspire to join the NSL, and the formation of this strategic Board is an important step in the South West’s long-term plan to bring elite netball back to the region. The Board brings together an impressive mix of expertise in sport, governance, and business, and we look forward to seeing the development and progress it will make in delivering this vital work.”

Karen Jones, Netball South West, added: “Seeing this Board come together is an important moment for netball in the South West. Our region has always been built on strong partnerships and it’s that spirit of connection that has kept netball thriving here for so many years. I know that our community will fully support the Board as it works to bring elite netball back to where it belongs.”

Over the coming months, the Board will launch a series of engagement activities, ensuring athletes, volunteers, clubs, and supporters can contribute to shaping the region’s vision. The final submission will present a compelling, evidence-based case that highlights the South West as a dynamic, inclusive, and future-focused home for elite netball.

Pictured top (from left): Matthew Joy, Jonathan Finch, Millie Broadbent, Claire Ferguson, Sue Porto and Stuart Doughty (Chair).