The University of Worcester’s Head of Netball has been appointed to lead a new netball development and training hub in the city designed to get players to the elite level.
Netball Super League franchise Birmingham Panthers have appointed Worcester graduate Holly French as Lead Coach for the new Under 23 Development Hub to be hosted by the University.
Holly, who has also recently been named Head Coach of the England Universities programme, will be working alongside her current role at the University, further strengthening the link between the University and the West Midlands franchise.
She said: “I’m really excited. It’s a fantastic opportunity to help shape a new pathway for ambitious athletes at such an important stage in their journey.” The University is set to host the Under 23 hub for the 2025/26 season, with the ambition that this will grow into a long-term relationship with Panthers, supporting high-level women’s netball and creating opportunities for young adult players in the region.
The hub is designed to attract talented netball players from the Panthers franchise region across the West Midlands and feed into the senior levels of the Panthers programme.
Having joined the University as a student in 2023 for a Master’s in Sports Coaching, Holly was captain of the University Netball 2nd team and was in the University’s Sport Performance programme. Alongside playing, she was Assistant Coach for the Severn Stars Under 21s.
Holly already has experience in the Birmingham Panthers set up as assistant coach to the Under 17s squad last season.
Holly said: “I’m looking forward to bringing new ideas and a modern, athlete-centred approach to coaching, alongside my experience in player development and performance environments, to create an atmosphere that challenges, supports, and inspires growth.
She added: “My hope is that the hub becomes a place where players can develop their skills, raise their standards and take confident steps towards senior and elite-level netball.”
Birmingham Panthers formed in 2024 and competed in the Netball Super League 2025. Initial trials for those looking to join the new Under 23 hub, set to be based at the University of Worcester Arena, are on Thursday, November 6.
Lerverne Barber, Head of the University’s School of Sports and Exercise Science, said: “We are very proud of Holly, and to see the success of one of our Sports graduates.”
She said: “We know that Holly’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable to these exciting young players coming through the development programme, helping them to achieve their highest potential.”
“We have long had a strong netball offering at the University,” added Lerverne. “It’s great news that expertise from the University will be shared with the franchise to help develop talent in the region, strengthening our connection with Birmingham Panthers.”
Siân Lawrence, Franchise Director, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Holly French will be continuing her journey with the Birmingham
Panthers this season as Lead Coach for the Development Hub at the University of Worcester.”
Sian added: “Holly’s extensive coaching experience, from her time with Severn Stars to her fantastic work with our U17 NPL squad last season, makes her the perfect fit to guide and inspire the next generation of Panthers talent. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll have in developing these players.”