Manchester Thunder coach ‘super excited’ to develop UAE netball at new academy in Abu Dhabi

At 15, Karen Greig played for England. She joined the Manchester Thunder at the age of 21 and achieved the rare feat of winning the Netball Premier League as a player, assistant and head coach.

The former England international is “super excited” about her latest project in partnership with Emirates Netball and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council to establish the Manchester Thunder Academy in Abu Dhabi.

read more

“It’s an exciting opportunity for us as a franchise to be part of a movement that really encourages girls to play,” Greg told National On Monday, during the Thunder’s first practice at NYU Indoor Stadium.

“I think it’s a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi with our girls for our masterclass this week,” said former England international Greg, who is also England Under-21s coach and assistant to the senior team.

On opening day, 60 girls signed up for the first week-long masterclass at NYU.

“We have two coaches involved with Manchester United. They have done a fantastic job at our academy and they are really good candidates to come here.”

Emily Cowell and Joanne Dempsey are the two resident coaches at the Abu Dhabi Academy, while Greig will travel back and forth as the Tennis Academy takes shape as time permits.

The academy caters to young children and women aged 8 to 19, with training sessions scheduled from Monday to Friday.

“It’s about making sure we’re really proactive about developing the talent here, making sure the level is at the right level, and making sure the girls get all the skills they need to play netball,” Greg said.

“Let them understand the basics of throwing, catching, balance, control and footwork. Then learn about the game and tactical elements and see how they bring their performance in training to the game.”

As part of the project, Greig plans to organise competitions, inviting all teams from the UAE, and possibly from all over the world, to come and play.

“We’ll also be looking at bringing these girls, who might come from the academy, on tour in the UK or Australia to really feel like a part of the Manchester Thunder and develop them,” she said.

UAE Falcons win European Open netball gold – pics

It is also the first-ever pre-season tour for Manchester Thunder and Greg is delighted they have brought the majority of the first team to Abu Dhabi.

“Hopefully, as we continue to grow, Abu Dhabi can become our second home,” Greg said.

According to her, the academy will be located in venues across Abu Dhabi with the aim of introducing an element of performance.

Greig has seen the team evolve over 21 years.

“It’s huge,” she said. “Now in Abu Dhabi is the next step in franchise specialization.”

After becoming undefeated champions in 2022, Greg said the new season, which starts in February, will be a big year for them.

“We have a new squad and some new faces that have been on our road and academy for a long time. They have left and gained experience and come back to us.

“Having pre-season in Abu Dhabi is crucial for us to start rebuilding our culture and really get us where we want to be in 2023. We want to defend this title and hope to bring it back next year. Family.

“We want to make sure we encourage Emirati and expat girls to participate in our programme. During this visit we will be going into schools to promote netball among girls.”

As a player, assistant coach, head coach and pitching director, Greg highlighted her love of the game, winning and playing pitching.

“Another key thing for me is the safe netball environment, the friends you make and the skills and values ​​you learn, that’s one of the reasons I’ve been involved in the sport for so long. You can ring Travel the world, visit some amazing places and learn about different cultures.”

Updated: 11/8/2022 4:13AM