Eboni Usoro-Brown, a former England international with 117 caps, is urging for increased commercial investment to elevate netball to new heights. Renowned for her 16-year playing career, which included Commonwealth Games gold in 2018 and four domestic titles with Team Bath, Usoro-Brown now serves as Honorary President of England Netball since 2025.
Reflecting on the sport’s rich history at England Netball’s centenary celebrations, she emphasized the progress made since netball’s inception in 1926. “We stand on the shoulders of giants,” she said, applauding how much faster and fitter today’s players have become, as well as the game’s growing international and community presence.
Usoro-Brown envisions a future where netball benefits from enhanced commercial backing, expanded opportunities for both girls and boys, and greater education around women’s health. “Building our visibility is crucial,” she continued, “along with promoting education about women and their bodies. That’s the development I’d like to see over the next 20 to 30 years.”
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The sport’s popularity is on the rise, with the Netball Super League’s relaunch attracting younger audiences both at matches and through television broadcasts on BBC and Sky Sports. Usoro-Brown acknowledged the instrumental role England Netball has played in creating safe, inclusive spaces for women to engage in sport and social connection alike.
Hosting the centenary event at the University of Huddersfield’s Heritage Quay, England Netball celebrated its journey with panels and archive displays. England Netball chair Baroness Sue Campbell remarked, “One hundred years is a remarkable milestone for a women’s sport. We are the oldest and longest-serving organisation for women’s sport in the UK, and it’s wonderful to celebrate with so many pioneers here today.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, England Netball received a Heritage Fund grant to preserve and share the sport’s rich legacy throughout its centenary year, ensuring the history and future of netball remain vibrant and celebrated.