Baroness Sue Campbell Confident Netball Will Thrive Despite Olympic Exclusion
Baroness Sue Campbell, the chair of England Netball, has firmly stated that netball's ongoing omission from the Olympic Games will not impede its progress or popularity. The 77-year-old, who took on her role in January 2025 after serving as the director of women's football at the FA, where she oversaw the Lionesses' Euro 2022 victory, believes the sport is poised for continued success irrespective of Olympic recognition.
Olympic Hopes and Realities
Netball has never been featured in the Olympic Games, primarily due to the absence of men's national teams in the sport. However, there is optimism that the Brisbane 2032 Olympics could potentially include netball, given Australia's strong affinity for the game. Despite this possibility, Campbell remains unwavering in her confidence that netball will flourish with or without Olympic inclusion.
"It would be good for the game and its profile, but the game will survive and thrive whether or not it becomes part of the Olympics," Campbell emphasized. "I really believe that such a special game, played by so many countries around the world, has a future whatever happens."
Commonwealth Games Boost
In a positive development for Campbell, who represented England at the under-21 level, netball will be part of the streamlined 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This event was nearly cancelled after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew from hosting duties, which would have been a significant setback for netball, as the Commonwealth Games is one of its two premier global events, alongside the World Cup.
Fortunately, Scotland's largest city intervened to rescue the Games, and Campbell is optimistic about the Vitality Roses' prospects. She expressed confidence that the current squad, which she describes as the most talented group ever assembled, can emulate the success of the 2018 gold-medal-winning team.
"We're delighted to still be part of the Commonwealth family. We're going to get the opportunity to play and get the profile that the Commonwealth Games will give us," Campbell said. "We've probably got the most talented group of players we've ever had. They are very skilful and very committed. They go there with a determination to perform at their very best, and we hope they can get the result we all want."
Centenary Celebrations and Heritage
Campbell made these remarks during England Netball's centenary celebrations at the University of Huddersfield's Heritage Quay. The event brought together distinguished guests, including Campbell and England Netball president Eboni Usoro-Brown, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, along with members of the netball community. They honoured the sport's rich history through panel discussions and a special archive display.
Reflecting on the milestone, Campbell highlighted the significance of netball's longevity in women's sports. "One hundred years is a remarkable length of time for a women's game, especially if you compare it to other major sports. We are by far the oldest, and the longest servants for women's sport in this country. I'm very excited about this landmark, and it's brilliant to have so many pioneers of the sport here today," she added.
Additionally, thanks to funding from National Lottery players, England Netball has received a Heritage Fund grant. This support will enable the organization to celebrate, preserve, and share the sport's extensive history throughout its centenary year, further cementing its legacy and promoting its growth for future generations.
