Devon club scoops top netball award

Tiverton Titans Netball Club has been officially named the South West Netball Community Club of the Year 2025 at the England Netball ONE Awards.

It is a remarkable achievement for a club that began with nothing more than an idea and a handful of passionate volunteers just four years ago.

Tiverton Titans said: “The club was created as there were no junior netball clubs in the entirety of Mid Devon so we wanted to give more opportunities for all, we started with some very popular holiday camps to raise the funds to start the club.

“From its humble origins in Mid Devon, the club has grown into a thriving, award-winning community of over 120 members, with players ranging from enthusiastic under-9s to competitive adult teams. We beat seven other amazing netball clubs from across the South West to win the prestigious award. 

Founded in 2021 to address a lack of accessible netball opportunities for young girls in the region, Tiverton Titans was born out of a desire to create something different: a club rooted in community values, built from the ground up, and focused not just on performance, but on inclusion, development, and belonging. It began with weekend training sessions on borrowed courts, a few second-hand balls, and a handful of families who believed in the dream.

“Today, it boasts three competitive senior teams in the Exeter League and eight junior teams across all age groups in the Exeter Junior League. We have had a great deal of success in the most recent season with two of our senior teams gaining promotion and two of our junior teams winning their age groups leagues.

“The club’s rapid growth has been nothing short of extraordinary, driven by a belief that everyone deserves the chance to play, to grow, and to feel part of something bigger than themselves.

“The Titans’ reach has extended beyond its immediate borders through a strategic partnership with Barnstaple Titans, allowing players to transition into the South West Regional League structure, a key milestone that has opened doors for talented athletes across Devon. Equally impressive is the creation of the Mid Devon Junior Netball Cup, which has grown into the largest one-day junior tournament in the county.

“In 2024, over 80 teams from U10 to U16 entered the tournament, which features a unique tiered system that ensures competitive, enjoyable matches for all levels of ability. 

“Player development sits at the heart of the club. Over the past three seasons, Tiverton Titans has supported seven new INTO umpires to qualification, with four more currently in training. This commitment to officiating ensures not only the sustainability of the game but also empowers young people with leadership and confidence both on and off the court.

“Coaching pathways have also flourished, with multiple members gaining their Level 1 and Level 2 coaching qualifications, many of whom started as players themselves and are now mentoring the next generation.

“The club actively promotes initiatives like England Netball’s Pass on Your Passion, through which players are encouraged to give back. One junior has already clocked over 100 hours of volunteer service a testament to the strong sense of ownership and pride within the club and her being recognised as Active Devon’s Young Volunteer of the Year 2024.

“The club’s impact goes far beyond training sessions and match days. Its social calendar is packed with events that bring players and families together from bowling and pottery painting to summer picnics and Superleague match trips. These experiences build more than skills they build friendships, confidence, and a lasting connection to the sport.

“Behind the scenes, a passionate group of parents and volunteers helps to fundraise, organise, and support. This has led to the creation of a club hardship fund, ensuring that no child is ever excluded from playing due to financial barriers. The club also provides inclusive kit options, such as match t-shirts instead of dresses, and subsidises travel and competition costs wherever possible.

“The club runs free taster sessions in local schools and takes part in community events to widen access to netball. Players and coaches volunteer their time to support local PE lessons and festivals, inspiring younger children to try something new.

“We also have recently been able to get new dresses for our members from acquiring sponsorship from our local sponsors Heathcoats fabric, the club has fundraised so that the old dresses can now be donated to netball development projects in Africa. Most recently the club is proud to have sealed a partnership with Blundell's school to further support our players and develop better community links. 

“Winning the South West Netball Community Club of the Year award is both a proud moment and a reflection of the efforts of those that have put in their time to make the club happen.”