Many happy returns

It was a time for celebration on 12 February 2026, 100 years to the day since the formation of the All England Women’s Net Ball Association in the drawing room of the YMCA, Tottenham Court Road. Relive the day through the words of those who were there.

In attendance at the special event was Sheelagh Redpath MBE, who believes that her new role as England Netball Community Ambassador has the potential to bring people together and push the sport forward. After more than 30 years working within England Netball and countless hours volunteering her time to the sport, she is excited to listen to what the Netball Family has to say and help create positive change.

“I’m going to be that listening ear,” she said. “I’m that link for the local community. I’m going to be going out to different counties and see how they’re feeling about the sport and see if they want change.”

And although Redpath knows that issues will be raised, she is hoping that those she speaks to will also bring ideas about how to improve the sport.

She continued: “I’ll go back to England Netball and relay all the feedback; we know there will be some, that happens all the time if you get a group of us together. But what I’m saying is, don’t give me a problem, give me the solution of how we can improve things. And that for me, is how I see this role and I’m excited about it.”

Redpath is a key figure in the officiating community and also a champion of heritage in local events like the ONE Awards and loves connecting with the sport’s members. On the display at the celebrations, she said: “It’s mind-blowing. It’s been a ten-year journey since we came here. We started with 400 boxes arriving in a van. To see it now, catalogued and shared with the public, is incredible.”

The archive tells a story that younger players may not be aware of; of times when previous generations played on grass, marked out their own courts and the national team paid for their own kits.

“They need to understand those early years,” added Redpath. “It shows how lucky we are now. Playing this sport is the best way to make friends. You’re part of a team. You stay fit, you feel safe, and you belong. That’s what netball gives you, and that’s why it still matters.”

England Netball Chair Baroness Sue Campbell added: “One hundred years is a remarkable length of time for a women’s game, especially if you compare it to other major sports.”

Meanwhile England Netball President Eboni Usoro-Brown hopes the organisation can continue to push the sport to new heights. She said: “It’s incredible to hear how the game started, from the very first minutes in 1926, to the struggles had by the pioneering women just to be able to play. We’ve got to really appreciate that history.

“We’re standing on the shoulders of giants and it’s fantastic to see how much fitter and faster the players are, and how the game is held by local communities.

“Hopefully, now is the time for more commercial investment and more opportunities for young girls and boys to be able to play across lots of nations. Building our visibility is important, as is promoting education around women and their bodies. That’s what I’d like to see develop over the next 20 to 30 years.”

Also in attendance at the celebrations was Kathleen Moss, 87, who has been involved in the sport for over 70 years and played a leading role in netball in the North West in her time off the court. The Oldham native said: “This is history and we shouldn’t lose history. Hopefully there will be more added to it. The friends that you make are friends for life. It is definitely a family.”

And finally, Phyllis Avery, MBE a former England Netball President, was also delighted to be able to relive the history of English netball. Phyllis is part of a select club of England Netball Honorary Life Members in recognition of her contribution to the sport over a number of decades.

She said: “It has been really thrilling. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is great to see so many people I haven’t seen for such a long time,” she said. “I was England Netball President from 2004 to 2008, and I am tremendously proud of the progression of the sport.”

England Netball would like to extend their thanks to the hard work of the Netball Heritage and Archives Group , supported by Dave Smith and Dr Becky Bowd in partnership with Heritage Quay, University of Huddersfield, without whom this exhibition would not have been possible. The group is currently recruiting, please email volunteering@englandnetball.co.uk to express your interest and find out more.