OUR COACHING TEAM
Gemma Cornes
U10
Lead Coach / Level 2
My passion for Netball first began at Primary School, and since then I have played Netball at a variety of levels and achieved a Level 1 in coaching. I joined the club in 2008, playing as a member of the senior squad. Now that I have 2 young daughters, I would like to share my passion and introduce them to this great sport. After supporting mini nets, I am now taking on the U9 squad. I am looking forward to coaching the team and seeing the girls grow and love the sport as I do.
U10
Lead Coach / Level 2
My passion for Netball first began at Primary School, and since then I have played Netball at a variety of levels and achieved a Level 1 in coaching. I joined the club in 2008, playing as a member of the senior squad. Now that I have 2 young daughters, I would like to share my passion and introduce them to this great sport. After supporting mini nets, I am now taking on the U9 squad. I am looking forward to coaching the team and seeing the girls grow and love the sport as I do.
Lydia Patterson
U12 Performance
Lead Coach / Level 2
Chairperson
C Award Umpire
I started coaching when I was 18 years old and started as a Cheshire Youth Games Coach. From there I started the junior section at Northwich Sapphires and was a U14’s Cheshire Coach. As I love the game of Netball and am a player myself, I enjoy volunteering to enable young girls to take part in the game and enjoy it as much as I do!
U12 Performance
Lead Coach / Level 2
Chairperson
C Award Umpire
I started coaching when I was 18 years old and started as a Cheshire Youth Games Coach. From there I started the junior section at Northwich Sapphires and was a U14’s Cheshire Coach. As I love the game of Netball and am a player myself, I enjoy volunteering to enable young girls to take part in the game and enjoy it as much as I do!
Laura Timm
U11
Coach / Level 2
Volunteer Co-ordinator
I joined Northwich Sapphires at the age of 10 and have played competitively ever since. When I was younger, I started to help out at different training sessions to build my confidence and develop my coaching skills. Then I went for my level 1 coaching award and achieved this.
I then left to go to Lancaster University, where I continued to play and coach all 3 university teams.
After university, I rejoined Northwich Sapphires and continued to help coach. I am now going for my level 2 coaching award with the hope of qualifying at the end of autumn. I am looking forward to using my own experience of playing and putting into practice everything I have learnt so far.
U11
Coach / Level 2
Volunteer Co-ordinator
I joined Northwich Sapphires at the age of 10 and have played competitively ever since. When I was younger, I started to help out at different training sessions to build my confidence and develop my coaching skills. Then I went for my level 1 coaching award and achieved this.
I then left to go to Lancaster University, where I continued to play and coach all 3 university teams.
After university, I rejoined Northwich Sapphires and continued to help coach. I am now going for my level 2 coaching award with the hope of qualifying at the end of autumn. I am looking forward to using my own experience of playing and putting into practice everything I have learnt so far.
Lauren Watson
U12
Lead Coach / Level 2
Head Coach
C Award Umpire
I have coached netball for 20+ years, and love to see the girls develop into netballers. I enjoy coaching their skills and watching their progress. I really like the engagement and rapport that you get with players. It’s hugely rewarding and I am proud to be a part of Northwich Sapphires, a club that's extremely supportive to coaches and players.
Accolades include North-West Netball Volunteer Award - Silver.
U12
Lead Coach / Level 2
Head Coach
C Award Umpire
I have coached netball for 20+ years, and love to see the girls develop into netballers. I enjoy coaching their skills and watching their progress. I really like the engagement and rapport that you get with players. It’s hugely rewarding and I am proud to be a part of Northwich Sapphires, a club that's extremely supportive to coaches and players.
Accolades include North-West Netball Volunteer Award - Silver.
Amanda Crowder
U12
Coach / Level 2
I loved all ‘team’ sports from an early age. I played basketball at County/ North West and North of England levels and trialled for England at Lilleshall National Sports. I played in the Manchester ladies league until my mid-20’s before I moved down South and had to leave. When I returned back up North I joined a netball team and played in the Bury league. When we moved to Cheshire my daughter joined Northwich Sapphires and I volunteered to coach to give something back to the sport. I absolutely love being part of the ‘Sapphires family’ and adore seeing the girls progress and their love for netball. I still play netball for a local Netball Club.
U12
Coach / Level 2
I loved all ‘team’ sports from an early age. I played basketball at County/ North West and North of England levels and trialled for England at Lilleshall National Sports. I played in the Manchester ladies league until my mid-20’s before I moved down South and had to leave. When I returned back up North I joined a netball team and played in the Bury league. When we moved to Cheshire my daughter joined Northwich Sapphires and I volunteered to coach to give something back to the sport. I absolutely love being part of the ‘Sapphires family’ and adore seeing the girls progress and their love for netball. I still play netball for a local Netball Club.
Louise Pollock
U12
Coach / Level 2
Fundraising & Events
I have loved netball since primary school. I still play now for a local team. It really is a sport for life.
I also like watching netball and supporting Manchester Thunder! One of my favourite netball moments was when I took part in the 2019 Netball World cup as a Pivoteer, this was a fantastic experience.
Becoming a coach for Northwich Sapphires has given me a brilliant opportunity to share my passion for the sport and help the young players starting out.
I love going to games and seeing their development through the season.
U12
Coach / Level 2
Fundraising & Events
I have loved netball since primary school. I still play now for a local team. It really is a sport for life.
I also like watching netball and supporting Manchester Thunder! One of my favourite netball moments was when I took part in the 2019 Netball World cup as a Pivoteer, this was a fantastic experience.
Becoming a coach for Northwich Sapphires has given me a brilliant opportunity to share my passion for the sport and help the young players starting out.
I love going to games and seeing their development through the season.
Anna Dalziel
U13
Lead Coach / Level 2
Marketing Officer
I have played netball since the age of 7, I started with my Primary School team, then played in Secondary School and at University.
I co-founded a club in South Cheshire and previously played in the Cheshire Elite league, as well as the Crewe League for many years, and continue to play now. A highlight was playing in the Crewe League with a Manchester Thunder player, and winning the Premiership League.
I am also a proud parent, having watched my daughter play for the club, I decided I should get more involved and have never looked back. I love helping the girls I coach achieve success, coaching them new skills is personally very fulfilling. Nothing better than seeing a smile on their faces!
U13
Lead Coach / Level 2
Marketing Officer
I have played netball since the age of 7, I started with my Primary School team, then played in Secondary School and at University.
I co-founded a club in South Cheshire and previously played in the Cheshire Elite league, as well as the Crewe League for many years, and continue to play now. A highlight was playing in the Crewe League with a Manchester Thunder player, and winning the Premiership League.
I am also a proud parent, having watched my daughter play for the club, I decided I should get more involved and have never looked back. I love helping the girls I coach achieve success, coaching them new skills is personally very fulfilling. Nothing better than seeing a smile on their faces!
Christina Millachip
U13
Coach / Level 1
I have played netball since Primary school, and it has brought me fitness, friends, skills and fun. I played at university for a local team and made lifelong friends. I want to share my passion for netball with the younger generation and encourage them to challenge themselves and keep healthy.
U13
Coach / Level 1
I have played netball since Primary school, and it has brought me fitness, friends, skills and fun. I played at university for a local team and made lifelong friends. I want to share my passion for netball with the younger generation and encourage them to challenge themselves and keep healthy.
Paul Dakin
U11
Coach / Level 1
Both of my daughters play for the club, which got me involved. I started playing in the mixed league, then after that offered to help out at training with my daughters team, and I am now part of the coaching squad.
U11
Coach / Level 1
Both of my daughters play for the club, which got me involved. I started playing in the mixed league, then after that offered to help out at training with my daughters team, and I am now part of the coaching squad.
Carly Grindrod
U14
Lead Coach / Level 2
Senior Player
Since an early age my passion for netball just grew. I have played at a variety of levels over the years starting with Bury and Manchester County / North West in my youth, to university years in Loughborough. I have loved playing various local leagues ever since, these teams have provided invaluable experience that I am able to move over into coaching. Never imagined I would get into coaching but my daughter joined Northwich Sapphires junior team and the passion continues and I love the game even more now!
U14
Lead Coach / Level 2
Senior Player
Since an early age my passion for netball just grew. I have played at a variety of levels over the years starting with Bury and Manchester County / North West in my youth, to university years in Loughborough. I have loved playing various local leagues ever since, these teams have provided invaluable experience that I am able to move over into coaching. Never imagined I would get into coaching but my daughter joined Northwich Sapphires junior team and the passion continues and I love the game even more now!
Lisa Venables
U14
Coach / Level 2
I have been an assistant coach for four years. Completing my level one coaching in 2019 and in the process of completing my level two this year.
I absolutely love the sport from watching, playing and coaching. The netball community has always provided a safe social environment for all ages and abilities which makes it a great family to be a part of.
Coaching for me is about seeing the children learn and grow in confidence. Providing them with the tools and self belief to go and have a go and gain a sense of achievement within the team is why I love to coach and why I love the sport.
U14
Coach / Level 2
I have been an assistant coach for four years. Completing my level one coaching in 2019 and in the process of completing my level two this year.
I absolutely love the sport from watching, playing and coaching. The netball community has always provided a safe social environment for all ages and abilities which makes it a great family to be a part of.
Coaching for me is about seeing the children learn and grow in confidence. Providing them with the tools and self belief to go and have a go and gain a sense of achievement within the team is why I love to coach and why I love the sport.
Laura Middlebrook
Junior Secretary
Level 2 Coach / C Level Umpire
Proud parent and player. I’ve played and loved netball since primary school and still play every week. I am a secondary PE teacher coaching school teams for 20 years. Northwich Sapphires has been great for both my daughters and I felt it was time for me to put something back into the club. I love seeing the young players develop and enjoy netball just as I have done.
Junior Secretary
Level 2 Coach / C Level Umpire
Proud parent and player. I’ve played and loved netball since primary school and still play every week. I am a secondary PE teacher coaching school teams for 20 years. Northwich Sapphires has been great for both my daughters and I felt it was time for me to put something back into the club. I love seeing the young players develop and enjoy netball just as I have done.
Kat Huntriss
U19
Lead Coach / Level 2
I got back into netball after university and since starting teaching at The Grange 5 years ago I have developed an enjoyment for coaching players to improve their technique.
U19
Lead Coach / Level 2
I got back into netball after university and since starting teaching at The Grange 5 years ago I have developed an enjoyment for coaching players to improve their technique.
Michelle Timm
Safeguarding Officer
Level 2 Coach
My passion for netball started when I went to secondary school. As it was a Convent Grammar there were no fields and so the main sport was netball! I instantly loved the game and enjoyed the friendship groups it helped create. Over forty years later, I still play on a regular basis in the mixed netball league. I became involved with Northwich Sapphires in 2008 when my daughter joined. Not being one to sit and watch, I began to help and soon became a level 2 coach. I love to see how in time each girl grows and develops. Whilst I give up my time for the club, Northwich Sapphires has given me back much more. It is a wonderful club and feels like one big happy family!
Safeguarding Officer
Level 2 Coach
My passion for netball started when I went to secondary school. As it was a Convent Grammar there were no fields and so the main sport was netball! I instantly loved the game and enjoyed the friendship groups it helped create. Over forty years later, I still play on a regular basis in the mixed netball league. I became involved with Northwich Sapphires in 2008 when my daughter joined. Not being one to sit and watch, I began to help and soon became a level 2 coach. I love to see how in time each girl grows and develops. Whilst I give up my time for the club, Northwich Sapphires has given me back much more. It is a wonderful club and feels like one big happy family!
Jan Turley
Nice ‘n’ Easy
Level 2
Jan is our Club President and a founding member of Northwich Sapphires NC.
Jan helped to establish the new Northwich Sapphires Netball Club in 2003 and as the first chairperson, oversaw the development of the senior and junior sections. Jan has coached every age group in our club from Under 8s to seniors, taking the senior team to and winning the regional finals in 2010.
Alongside her work with the club, Jan has been heavily involved in England Netball coaching programmes. She was a coach on the England Netball Home training programme for national players, an England Netball talent scout and was lead coach at regional talent camps.
Jan currently coaches the club’s “Nice’n’Easy” sessions for players but also supports the development of our club coaches, through mentoring and guiding those who are working towards their qualifications. Her coaching aim is simple - to help people to be the best they can be.
Nice ‘n’ Easy
Level 2
Jan is our Club President and a founding member of Northwich Sapphires NC.
Jan helped to establish the new Northwich Sapphires Netball Club in 2003 and as the first chairperson, oversaw the development of the senior and junior sections. Jan has coached every age group in our club from Under 8s to seniors, taking the senior team to and winning the regional finals in 2010.
Alongside her work with the club, Jan has been heavily involved in England Netball coaching programmes. She was a coach on the England Netball Home training programme for national players, an England Netball talent scout and was lead coach at regional talent camps.
Jan currently coaches the club’s “Nice’n’Easy” sessions for players but also supports the development of our club coaches, through mentoring and guiding those who are working towards their qualifications. Her coaching aim is simple - to help people to be the best they can be.
OUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jan Turley Club President
Lydia Patterson Chairperson
Lauren Watson Head Coach / Fundraising / Events
Sarah Langley Secretary (ns-secretary@outlook.com) n
s-secretary@outlook.com
Laura Middlebrook Junior Secretary (ns-junior-sec@outlook.com)
Louise Pollack Treasurer / Kit Manager / Events (ns-treasurer@outlook.com)
Jess Taylor Junior Umpiring Secretary
Anna Dalziel Marketing Officer
Michelle Timm Safe Guarding Officer
Di Woodward Membership Liaison Officer
Rachel Middlebrook Junior Representative
Lydia Patterson Chairperson
Lauren Watson Head Coach / Fundraising / Events
Sarah Langley Secretary (ns-secretary@outlook.com) n
s-secretary@outlook.com
Laura Middlebrook Junior Secretary (ns-junior-sec@outlook.com)
Louise Pollack Treasurer / Kit Manager / Events (ns-treasurer@outlook.com)
Jess Taylor Junior Umpiring Secretary
Anna Dalziel Marketing Officer
Michelle Timm Safe Guarding Officer
Di Woodward Membership Liaison Officer
Rachel Middlebrook Junior Representative