Birmingham Panthers successfully launched its Gateway to Netball programme, sponsored by Gateley plc; an initiative designed to provide fully funded netball and educational sessions to schools in communities experiencing significant socio-economic and educational inequality. 

Launched in November 2025, the programme supports schools across Birmingham, Worcester and Coventry, aligning with Birmingham Panthers home fixtures. The initiative, aimed at pupils aged 9 and 13, combines sport, wellbeing education, and skills development, while also ensuring long-term access to physical activity. 

The first phase of delivery has been successfully completed at Welsh House Farm Community School in Birmingham. The response from staff and pupils has been overwhelmingly positive. 

 “We all loved the sessions with the Birmingham Panthers. The players, nutritionists and physios were friendly and worked really well with the children, encouraging them all to participate. They covered all aspects of netball from food to fitness levels, confidence building within a team environment, and learning the game, rules and positions. 

At the end of the last session, we had the exciting news that we would be filmed for local television, and the children loved seeing themselves on the screen.” 

Matt Jones, Head of PE, reported: 

“The sessions with the Birmingham Panthers were absolutely fantastic, and the students loved every moment of working alongside professional players. The impact on the students was incredible; their confidence in playing netball grew massively, their understanding and confidence around nutrition improved, and most importantly, their belief in themselves flourished. Overall, it was an outstanding programme that made a hugely positive and lasting difference. 

At the end of the last session, we had the exciting news that we would be filmed for local television, and the children loved seeing themselves on the screen.” 

Early results demonstrate significant positive outcomes across participating schools, including:

– Improved confidence and self-belief 

– Increased participation in physical activity 

– Greater understanding of nutrition and wellbeing 

– Enhanced teamwork and communication skills 

– Stronger aspirations through exposure to professional athletes 

The Gateway to Netball programme reflects Gateley’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities and improving access to sport and education for young people who may otherwise face barriers to participation.