Vanessa McErlain-Naylor is excited to be the Head Coach for the Aspire Elite programme. A widely recognised coach in our region her years developing athletes within her own club, working within county and regional programmes has inspired her to create this fantastic opportunity. Vanessa has been recognised nationally and regionally with awards and accolades for her successes. Vanessa has experience coaching & assisting teams with Maccabi GB, NPL, regional, northern and county leagues. Vanessa is Head coach for the Swiss Netball team to be represented and Netball Europe and will continue to work with the Swiss team throughout this year, and in 2022 was instrumental in them gaining their world ranking in the 2021/22 season.
Alex Young previously with Manchester Thunder as performance coach. Alex brings years of experience with her from playing days with Yorkshire Jets and Loughborough lightning, as well as England u17, u19 and u21s. Alex’s coaching background includes Head coach of England Nets when England won Gold and England u17s when they won Gold at Netball Europe. In addition Alex’s wealth of experience working in the England Pathway with players in the regional programme from u13 up to and including u19s (NPL).
We are very proud to have Joan Young delivering specialist positional sessions throughout the season. Joan was previously head coach for Ireland and has a vast experience of working with players within a performance environment through to international events.
International basketball coach Kendel Glapion will be leading selected sessions as a guest coach. Kendel is an NCAA college basketball player and member of the 2016 USA select international team. Currently delivering basketballl skills and development coaching internationally and also the creator of Phenom lifestyle clothing brand.
Assistant coaches at aspire
Emma Lewis is a UKCC level 2 coach and has coached at one of the top regional junior clubs. Emma coaches a squad in the senior regional league and is still a regular on court herself.
Mark McErlain-Naylor is an experienced UKCC level 2 coach and B award umpire with 15+ years experience at one of the top regional junior clubs. Mark has successfully coached teams through to U14 and U16 national clubs finals. Mark has coached in the county performance pathway at U13 through to U17 level.
Lisa Smith is an experienced UKCC level 2 coach. Lisa has experience coaching in primary schools and club level from Hi5 to Seniors. Lisa has been assistant county performance coach for the U11, U15 and U17 age groups in addition to managing county teams at inter-county tournaments. Lisa is currently Head coach for the Antigua and Barbuda national squad ahead of their World Cup Americas competition in October 2022.
Rachel Henderson is an experienced UKCC level 2 coach and coach tutor who teaches sport science at one of Lincolnshire’s top 6th form college’s. Rachel has coached and selected for the county pathway and brings a wealth of netball experience with her.
Georgia Walmsley is a UKCC level 1 coach assistant and joined us in 2021 as a coach and C award umpire. Georgia is has been an athlete in the programme herself since u 14 and continues to represent Aspire on court with our u19 players.
Management Staff at aspire
Administration – we are currently looking to appoint a volunteer to this role and anyone interested can contact Vanessa or Lisa directly.
Safeguarding – Rachel Henderson is always available for parents or athletes to discuss issues, you can arrange a meeting via email direct to Rachel in strictest confidence. Rachel.henderson.2003@gmail.com
Covid Officer – Wendy Walmsley is an appointed First aider and as a trained health professional she will also be a leading role as Covid Officer for the programme from Sept 2020.
Lisa Smith – aspirenetball@gmail.com