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The England Netball Excel Pathway

To be the "Number 1 Ranked Team in the World" is a clear driving objective for England Netball over the next 10 years.  That ambition relies upon excellent and dynamic structures and processes for the identification and development of talented players from the very earliest stages through to the elite programmes for the England Team itself

Principles of the Excel Pathway Programmes

Excel Pathway programmes are athlete centered and are not about competition. The pathway is based on the principles of Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) with the programmes focused on providing:

The right development programmes and correct level of training to challenge athletes - all young people follow the same pattern of growth from infancy through to adulthood, but there are significant individual differences in both the timing and magnitude of the changes that take place.  Delivery of the appropriate training (based upon the Netball Excel Guidelines) and implementation of flexible age banding will ensure optimum individual athlete performance.

Coaching of the right quality - all programmes are to be delivered by coaches with appropriate expertise and qualification. 

Excel Pathway 

Understanding the Excel Pathway

The Netball Excel Pathway is the England Netball process for developing athletes with the attributes to attain excellence.  The programmes within the pathway are focused on developing athletes to reach their potential and form the foundations to enable England Netball to be the Number 1 Ranked Team in the World.

The National Excel Pathway consists of the National Excel Programme which progresses into the Excel Plus Programme (U21 and National Squad).

The Regional Excel Pathway includes 3 progressive programmes:

  • Satellite Academy
  • County Academy
  • Regional Academy

These programmes provide performance-enhancing training for individuals, not squads.  Competition is outside the Excel Pathway Programmes, in clubs (county and regional leagues) and school competition.