By Coventry Rugby 
The partnership between Coventry Netball Academy and The Futures Trust is dedicated to providing young people in the local community with outstanding opportunities to excel both academically and in sport. Through this collaboration, students can develop their skills both on and off the court, gaining valuable experience and support to help them reach their full potential. Coventry Netball Academy’s strong connection with the Birmingham Panthers Franchise also offers a clear pathway to professional netball, opening doors for aspiring athletes. A shining example of this is Lola Holmes, a current student in the programme, who recently earned a place in the Birmingham Panthers Pathway. Read on to discover The Futures Trust’s thoughts on this exciting and impactful partnership!
Breaking Barriers in Netball and Education
At The Futures Trust, we believe in breaking down barriers and unlocking the potential of every student. That’s why we’ve partnered with Coventry Netball Academy to create an elite-level netball academy embedded within state school education. Our vision is bold: to replicate the netball programmes found in some of Britain’s most prestigious private schools—while making them accessible to all students, rather than just a privileged few.
Research shows there is a vast, untapped market for netball talent in schools without a strong netball tradition, among young people inspired by greater exposure to professional sport, and in communities where access to elite-level training has been limited. Our programme is designed to bridge this gap, opening doors for those who may never have had the chance to step onto the court.
A Pathway to Professional Netball
This initiative provides ambitious young netball players with a direct route into professional netball while pursuing top-tier education. Post-16 students studying at any of our Coventry secondary schools—Barr’s Hill, Coundon Court, President Kennedy, and Stoke Park—can access the programme and excel academically while receiving first-class netball coaching at Coventry Netball Academy.
One of the most exciting aspects of our programme is that students don’t have to choose between elite sport and academic success. All our schools offer a full suite of A-Level and BTEC courses, ensuring that talented players can study subjects that best support their future ambitions while benefiting from elite netball training.
The dual pathway ensures that every participant gains formal qualifications, preparing them not just for a career in sport but for life beyond netball. Whether it’s progressing to a world-class university, earning a degree apprenticeship, or launching a professional netball career, our students have options.
Building Brighter Futures at The Futures Trust
We believe education should be transformational. Our mission is to build brighter futures by delivering an exceptional experience both inside and outside the classroom. We provide an outstanding academic education that enables every student to thrive, offering a curriculum that stretches, challenges, and prepares them for the next stage of their journey. But, for us, education isn’t just about grades—it’s about opportunity.
Too often, access to high-quality extracurricular activities is dictated by background and circumstance. We are committed to narrowing the enrichment gap, ensuring every young person has access to elite sporting pathways, performing arts, and super-curricular experiences that many families would otherwise struggle to afford. By delivering a rich set of wider experiences alongside outstanding teaching, we equip our students with the skills, confidence, and resilience to succeed in whatever path they choose.
Real Results, Real Stories
The positive effects of this programme are already evident. Lola Holmes, a 17-year-old student, has recently been selected for the Birmingham Panthers Pathway. Reflecting on her experience, she said:
“Sport has always been a big part of my life and something I wanted to pursue, but education is just as important because, as a professional athlete, you never know what the future holds. The course I’m taking at Barr’s Hill fits perfectly alongside my sport.”
“The support I’ve received—both as a player and as a student—has been amazing. It’s reassuring to know I have someone by my side to guide me.”
Lola believes the elite-level coaching she receives has had a huge impact, saying:
“The amount of coaching and time we get here has really helped me balance my academic work. Sport has always been an outlet for me, and even coming here twice a week has given me the perfect balance between my studies and improving as a player.”
“This programme has really pushed me to follow my dreams. The pathway I’m on now with Birmingham Panthers wouldn’t have been possible without this support.”
Learn More
Whether you’re a young player looking for an opportunity, a parent seeking the best for your child, or someone interested in learning more about our Elite Netball and Education Pathway, contact:
Lesley Blair – lblair@coventryrugby.co.uk
Applications for September 2025 are still open, and further recruitment events for 2026 are set to begin this Easter.
To learn more about The Futures Trust and our schools, visit: https://www.thefuturestrust.org.uk/
Further updates will be shared via Coventry Netball Academy, The Futures Trust, and The Futures Trust schools.
