A friendly club with roots across two towns
Get to know our history, the values that shape every session, and the people who make the Club run.
More Than Just Netball
At Grappenhall & Widnes Netball Club, we want every player to have a place where they can play, develop, belong and enjoy netball.
We welcome players at different ages, abilities and stages of their netball journey, from those taking their first steps onto court to players who want to challenge themselves in a more competitive environment.
Our club is built around development, enjoyment and opportunity. We believe progress looks different for every player, so our coaches focus on helping individuals build their skills, confidence, game understanding and love of the sport at a pace that is right for them.
Through our Petal Pathways Programme, every player is part of our Bloom pathway, with additional Flourish opportunities available for players who are ready for an extra level of training, competition and development.
Whatever their ambitions, we want players to feel that there is a pathway for them at G&W.
Petal Pathways Programme
Two pathways. One club.
All players are Bloom players.
Bloom is our foundation pathway for every player. For those ready to take their game further, the Flourish pathway adds a performance layer to accelerate growth.
Bloom
Development foundation
Our foundation pathway for every player.
Focused on development, enjoyment and building the foundations for long-term success.
- Build skills, confidence and understanding of the game
- Train regularly and enjoy match play
- Be part of a supportive team environment
- Have opportunities to grow and develop at your own pace
Every player. Every stage. Bloom.
Flourish
Performance layer
The performance layer for players ready to go further.
An additional pathway for those aiming to develop, excel and compete at the highest level.
- More match experience in a more competitive environment
- Specialist training sessions to accelerate progress
- Focus on technical development, game IQ and team performance
- Commitment to higher level training and performance goals
Additional support. Higher impact. Flourish.
Your path. Your journey. Our support.
You start with Bloom. You grow at your pace. If you're ready, you can Flourish.
Bloom
Foundation for all
Flourish
Performance layer
Reach your
potential
One Club. Different Journeys. Plenty of Opportunity.
Being part of G&W is about more than turning up for training once a week. We aim to create a supportive club environment where players can make friends, grow in confidence, challenge themselves and feel part of a team.
Regular coached training sessions designed around age and ability
Competitive and developmental match opportunities
A structured Bloom development pathway for every player
Additional Flourish performance opportunities for players ready to progress further
Coaching focused on technical skills, decision-making and game understanding
Opportunities to experience different positions and roles on court
A supportive environment where players can develop at their own pace
Access to specialist sessions, workshops and additional development opportunities
Opportunities to take part in club events, tournaments and activities
A club community that values teamwork, respect, confidence, inclusion and enjoyment
Clear communication with parents and guardians throughout a player's journey
Coaches who see the person behind the bib, not simply the result on the scoreboard
There is no expectation that every player follows the same route.
Some players simply want to enjoy netball with their friends. Some want to become the best player they can possibly be. Some may discover those ambitions later.
Our job is to provide the environment, coaching and opportunities to help them find their own path.
Every player. Every stage. One club.
20+
Teams
across Warrington, Grappenhall and Widnes
Over150
Players
from our youngest Petals to our senior squads
2
Training hubs
Warrington and Widnes, where every squad trains
What we stand for
Vision
An inclusive community of sporting opportunities and pathway progression
Mission
Passion guides our specialist staff to support our members to achieve their personal success and goals
Our Core Values
Community
A family club at heart, built by volunteers and proud of our roots in Warrington and Widnes. Every player, parent and volunteer belongs from their very first session.
Respect
On court and off it, we treat teammates, opponents, officials and volunteers with respect — win, lose or draw.
Ambition
Everyone here is working towards something, whether that's a first catch or a county trial. We help each member get there at their own pace.
How the Club Began
Grappenhall & Widnes Netball Club was founded by Meg Parker and Beth Keen, built from a shared passion for netball and a simple belief that a great club can make a real difference to the people and communities around it.
What started with a love of the game has grown into a welcoming netball community across Grappenhall and Widnes, creating opportunities for players of different ages, abilities and experiences to get involved, develop and, most importantly, enjoy being part of a team.
For Meg and Beth, the club has always been about more than what happens on court. Netball provides a place to build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging, while giving young people positive experiences that can stay with them long after the final whistle.
That same philosophy runs through everything we do. We want players to feel supported as people as well as athletes, coaches to have the opportunity to develop and volunteers to know that the time they give genuinely matters.
Community sits at the heart of the club. We believe in giving back to the areas that support us, building relationships with local families, schools, organisations and businesses, and using netball as a way to bring people together.
We are proud of how the club continues to grow, but our purpose remains the same as the day Meg and Beth started it:
Our purpose
Create opportunities. Support our players. Strengthen our community. And make sure there’s always a place to play netball.
Founders' statement
We founded this club because we believe netball should be a place where everyone has the opportunity to belong, grow and flourish — from taking those exciting first steps onto the netball court to pursuing and achieving their ambitions at the highest level of the game.
Like a flower, every player has their own unique journey. With the right environment, support and encouragement, we believe every individual has the opportunity to grow, bloom and flourish into the very best version of themselves, both on and off the court.
At the heart of our club is family. We are player-centred in everything we do, creating a nurturing environment where every player and their family feels valued, connected and empowered to grow.
Above all, we want to create more than just a netball club — we want to grow a community where everyone feels they truly belong, where our members can flourish together, put down roots, and build lifelong friendships and create memories along the way. In doing so, we hope to leave a lasting legacy, making a positive difference not only within our club, but across the wider community.
Meg Parker & Beth KeenFounders, Grappenhall & Widnes Netball Club
Run by volunteers, for our members
Our committee gives their time freely to keep the Club running smoothly. Say hello at any session — they're always happy to chat.
Beth Keen
Co-Chair & DSL
Meg Parker
Co-Chair & Treasurer
Mollie Parker
Secretary & Coaches Rep
Emma Whiteside
Senior Events & Data Protection Lead
Jess West
Junior Events & Resolution Lead
EllieMay Brownhill
Kit Shop Manager
Mia Whiteside
Social Media
Safeguarding
The wellbeing of every player is our absolute priority. All coaches and committee members working with children hold current DBS checks and complete England Netball safeguarding training.
- A named Club Safeguarding Officer for every concern, big or small
- DBS-checked coaches and committee members at every session
- A clear, published Safeguarding Policy — read it in full below
- Confidential reporting via a dedicated safeguarding email address
Safeguarding concerns: safeguarding@gwnetball.co.uk
Equality & Inclusion
Netball at Grappenhall & Widnes is for everyone. We welcome players, parents and volunteers of every background, ability and circumstance, and we work continually to remove barriers to taking part.
- Sessions adapted to include players of all abilities wherever possible
- A zero-tolerance approach to discrimination of any kind
- Financial support available in confidence — cost should never be a barrier
- An open door for feedback on how we can be more inclusive
Our full policies, in one place
Read our complete Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy and Privacy & GDPR Policy in full.