Competition Exposure Guidance

England Netball recommends that emerging athletes on the England Netball Player Pathway have exposure to competition to aid their individual development outlined in the framework. Up to 3 levels of competition may be appropriate for an athlete to access, where the complexity will vary enhancing their development in all 4 Roses Development Framework Pillars. Time exposed in each competition environment will vary from athlete to athlete and coaches expertise is critical to this success, as well as managing the transitions across the competition levels.

The Physical Potential and Psychological Edge pillars are critical to enhancing knowledge and understanding when planning a progressive increase in an athlete’s ‘loading’ in training and competition throughout their journey through the pathway. It is imperative that the support network, together with the athlete, collaborate using the guidance given to maximise opportunities.

Here are examples of three athlete types and what competition experience they have gained over the years in relation to their age:

Event: School Games U15 National Finals 2
Age of athlete: 15
Athlete Journey: Training and competition environments

This athlete played a lot of school netball and joined a newly developed local junior club. Initially there was limited exposure to competition and match play but was recognised by their shooting ability and demonstrated high level of game awareness. They were nominated to attaned Roses Academy screening from being in an U17 NPL environment, where she was successful selected into the U17 Roses Academy programme.

Year	Training and competition environments

Year	Training and competition environments
2019	Junior Club, County Player Development programme
2020	Junior County & Regional Leagues, VNSLTeam’s U15 Academy squad
2021	U15 School Games National Finals, U16 Regional League, England U17 Roses Academy, VNSL Team’s U17 Academy Squad, Adult Regional League

Event: Europe Netball U17 Championships
Age of athlete: 16
Athlete Journey: Training and competition environments

This athlete started at a strong junior club in the local area and demonstrated high awareness of game understanding. They were identified and invited to attend senior club training sessions on an occasional basis, to expose them to a high level environment. Opportunities were given within a senior local league and a consistent higher level of training. The athlete trained regularly in both senior and junior environments as well as small exposure to the National Premier League competition. They also represented England U17s at Europe Netball in the same season.

Year	Training and competition environments

Year	Training and competition environments
2018	Junior Club, County Player Development Programme
2019	Additional Exposure at Senior Club Training
2020	U15 School Games National Finals, County Player Development Programme, VNSL Team’s U15 Academy
2021	U16 National Club Finals, England U17 Roses Academy, Senior Club

Event: England Netball National Performance U21 League
Age of athlete: 18
Athlete Journey: Training and competition environments

This athlete has progressed through all levels of the pathway and has optimised exposure at School, Local and Regional competitions. They demonstrated key principles within the Game Phases to earn the opportunity to train alongside a Franchise VNSL squad as a training partner. The athlete continues to compete in a variety of other team sports at both school and regional level which is possible if managed and supported by all. Multiple sporting environments has enhanced her game understanding and decision making under pressure. She represented England U21s at Europe Netball in the same season.

Year	Training and competition environments

Year	Training and competition environments
2017	County Player Development Programme
2018	England U17 Roses Academy
2019	U16 National Clubs, VNSL Team’s U19 Academy Squad, England U17 Roses Academy
2020	VNSL U21 Academy squad, Franchise VNSL Team Training Partner, Regional Senior League
2021	VNSL U21 Academy squad, Franchise VNSL Team Training Partner, England Netball National Premier League, England Roses U21