Performance
The purpose of the player pathway is to support the development of athletes. The player development journey is an evolutionary process, individual specific and shaped by experiences.
Meet the PDP Team
We are pleased to introduce....
Player Development Performance Lead - Debbie Hopkinson
Debbie deals with all of the administration that goes with the successful running of a programme – she is the first point of call for all questions relating to the programme and can be contacted by email – performance@derbyshirenetball.co.uk
“I am very much looking forward to the season ahead, meeting our new athletes and building on the hard work that our returning athletes put in last year – after a very successful 2023/2024 season we have to work hard to capitalise on that success – but I have no doubt that the selected athletes will rise to the challenge.”
Our Coaches 24/25 season
Under 13s Coaches
Ruth Sampson
Ruth currently is Head Coach for the Under 13 squad, she also coaches for Loughborough Lightning U14 and U16 Development Hubs. Ruth is also a player and umpire and Mum to two netballers. Ruth has also had experience coaching the England netball Youth Camps
“I am looking forward to my 11th year with Derbyshire PDP and working to develop our new athletes to Derbyshire U13s. For the previous 2 years, our Derbyshire A team have not lost a regional match, so hoping to continue our winning streak with lots of hard work and determination.”
Harriett Kelly
I am the Assistant Coach for Derbyshire's U13 PDP and Head Coach for Loughborough Lightning’s U14 and U16 Development Hubs, where I recently led the U14s to a tournament victory. I also coach the U15s and manage the U19 NPL team.
With experience coaching for England Netball at youth and DISE camps, I founded my own netball club at 23, which now has over 200 members. Outside netball, I work as a nanny, driven by my passion for working with children.
"I am so excited to be working with Derbyshire Netball Again this year to continue developing the talented athletes within our PDP. Last year, I lead the B team to many victories, loosing only one game (to Derbyshire A). This reflects on the fantastic talent we have within Derbyshire, and the great team behind it. The reward I personally get, whilst coaching for Derbyshire, is indescribable. Seeing young athletes learn, develop and exceed our expectations is priceless. I am looking forward to the 24/25 season, and too see what we can achieve this year!"
Under 15s Coaches
Amy Griffiths
Amy is currently undertaking her Level 3 Advanced Coaching Award and is also an international Coach Educator for Europe Netball, working with coaches and countries to develop netball infrastructure across the Europe region. Amy is also the Head Coach of the Isle of Man U21 national team and has previous experience coaching and working within the Severn Stars and Loughborough Lightning franchises U21, U19, U17, and U15 levels.
“I’m thrilled to begin another year with Derbyshire PDP after a successful season last year. We’ve already been impressed by the standard of athletes at this season’s trials and the subsequent effort and quality that the athletes selected have demonstrated in our initial sessions. This season, we’ve seen a considerable number of athletes secure spots in franchise netball, and the highest number of athletes ever for Derbyshire progress through to the next level of the England Netball performance pathway. This is an outstanding achievement for Derbyshire Netball which not only reflects the excellence of the high-performance pathway that’s been developed, but the considerable, time, energy and effort put in by the team behind the scenes.”
Kelly Hopkinson
Kelly is 27 years old, a Level 2 coach and a teacher of PE. Kelly also coaches for Nottingham Forest Netball at U17 and U19 level.
“I am so excited to embark on my 6th year with Derbyshire PDP. I really do believe in my community and I aim to develop each athlete on an individual basis, both on and off the court. Last year we were regional champions, so we have big shoes to fill. However, this year, trials were the most competitive yet and I believe that we have selected an unbeatable squad. Let’s go DerbADOS”
