England Netball has secured a significant grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to digitise and preserve the sport’s century-long history. While the funding celebrates the organisation’s centenary, the strategic focus is firmly on the future: the creation of a permanent, publicly accessible digital archive and the recruitment of a specialised “Heritage Team.”
The “Digital First” Strategy
At the heart of the project is the expansion of the Our Netball History website. For many professional bodies, “heritage” often sits in inaccessible physical archives; England Netball is treating its history as a strategic digital asset. By building a searchable archive, the NGB is creating a long-term engagement tool designed to connect its modern membership base with the sport’s pioneers.
The grant also facilitates the recruitment of a full-time archivist—working in partnership with Heritage Quay at the University of Huddersfield—and ten “Heritage Champions.” This move demonstrates a clear commitment to professionalising the way the sport manages its intellectual property and social record.
Leadership Perspectives
England Netball CEO, Fran Connolly, highlighted the cultural and community value of the investment:
“As we celebrate our centenary year, receiving support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is fantastic news for netball. This funding gives us a unique opportunity to shine a light on the people and stories that have shaped our sport from grassroots communities to the national stage. Netball has always been about connection, friendship and empowering women and girls, and thanks to National Lottery players, we can now protect that legacy and share it with future generations.”
Liz Bates, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added:
“England Netball’s heritage represents one of the most significant records of women’s sporting, social, and community history in the UK. Thanks to National Lottery players we’re able to support their programme during this important centenary year, ensuring this unique part of sporting history continues to be celebrated for years to come.”
The TMJ Take:
From a membership perspective, this is a masterclass in leveraging a milestone anniversary. Instead of a one-off gala, the organisation is building a permanent digital infrastructure and a new volunteer tier. For other associations, the lesson is clear: your history isn’t just a record of the past—it’s a high-value content engine for the future.
