Netball Sports Scholarships at the University of Hertfordshire – One of the UK’s Leading Programmes
The University of Hertfordshire offers Netball Sports Scholarships for committed high-performing netball athletes who want to combine elite sport with academic success. Recognised nationally for our quality, the Herts Netball scholarship Programme provides an exceptional opportunity to train and compete at the highest level of university netball, alongside academic studies.
We’re proud to have created one of the most successful university netball pathways in the UK. Over the last decade, our programme has frequently delivered results on court, while supporting athletes to achieve their academic and career goals off it.
A Decade of Performance, Progression and Pathways
The Herts Netball Programme has been the top of our performance sport offering for over ten years. In that time, our teams have made a considerable impact at national level - winning multiple BUCS Premier South League titles and securing four BUCS National Championship victories. We frequently compete with - and defeat - some of the best university netball teams in the country, and we’re focused on building even more success in the future. Find out more about the Herts Netball team here.
But results are only one part of a bigger picture. Our programme is built on a foundation of development, progression, and opportunity. We assist our athletes through every stage of their journey - from first-year scholar to post-graduate, from club player to professional athlete.
Learn more and apply for a university sports scholarship
A Direct Link to the Super League
One of the exceptional features of the Herts Netball Scholarship Programme is our long-standing partnership with London Mavericks (formerly Saracens Mavericks) - one of the UK’s premier franchises in the Netball Super League. This collaboration provides a clear professional pathway for athletes who strive to compete at the highest level.
Players have access to top-level coaching, mentoring, talent identification, and the opportunity to train within a professional environment. So far, over 16 Herts athletes have earned Super League contracts. The programme provides the visibility, support, and coaching expertise that assists this transition.
Led by Elite Coaching
The netball programme is led by Mel Mansfield, a respected figure in the sport with significant experience coaching at the top level of the Netball Super League. Mel is not only our Director of University Netball but also Head Coach of the London Mavericks Next Gen Programme, ensuring continuity and alignment between our university squad and the professional system.
Under Mel’s leadership, players benefit from a high-performance environment that emphasises skill development, tactical awareness, and professional standards - on and off the court.
Complete Support for Student-Athletes
Our University Sports Scholarships offer more than just access to competition. As a scholar, you’ll have connection to a complete performance support package designed to help you succeed in all areas of your student-athlete experience.
You’ll have access to:
- Strength and Conditioning programmes delivered by experienced coaches at Performance Herts
- Physiotherapy and Injury Rehabilitation services to keep you fit and in peak condition
- Lifestyle and Wellbeing Support, including access to a committed advisor who can help you manage stress and personal development
- Sport Psychology and Nutritional guidance, designed to improve your focus, confidence, recovery and fitness.
- Athlete Education Workshops covering essential areas such as performance mindset, recovery, and clean sport
As a scholar you’ll also receive a free Health & Fitness membership, giving you full access to both of the university’s gyms: The Oval Gym on College Lane and Hertfordshire Sports Village on de Havilland campus.
Funding to Support Your Sporting Development
We understand that high-level sport comes with costs, from travel and kit to physiotherapy. That’s why our Sports Scholarships include financial awards that can help cover the essential costs associated with netball.
This funding helps alleviate financial pressure and ensures you can stay focused on improving your game, studying for your degree, and making the most of your time at university. Read about the wide variety of scholarships available at the University of Hertfordshire here.
Academic Flexibility That Works Around You
We know that elite athletes regularly face demanding training and competition schedules, and that juggling both sport and study can be a challenge. That’s why the University of Hertfordshire is committed to academic flexibility for Sports Scholars.
We offer:
- Timetable support to help balance classes and training
- Strong link between academic and sport staff to support dual-career athletes
Whether you’re travelling for matches, attending national training camps, or recovering from competition, we’ll work with you to ensure your education isn’t affected.
Are You What We’re Looking For?
To be suitable for a netball scholarship at the University of Hertfordshire, you should be competing at a recognised level - such as regional, academy, national, or Super League pathway squads. However, we acknowledge each application on its individual merit and appreciate that athletes grow in different ways and at different times.
You must also match the academic entry requirements for your chosen course of study. We take a holistic approach to athlete selection - acknowledging the unique demands of competitive sport.
If you're still developing your game but show potential, don’t be discouraged. Lots of our current scholars worked their way up through local and regional pathways. With commitment, determination, and a nurturing environment, you can do the same.
Become Part of a Winning Tradition
Joining Herts Netball means becoming part of a high-performance culture that values excellence, growth and freedom. Whether your goal is to compete in the Super League, represent your country, or simply taking your netball to the highest level you can, we have the support and infrastructure to help make it happen.
Our objective is simple: to assist every athlete in our programme reach their full potential - on court, in the classroom, and beyond.
Start Your Journey Today
Ready to take your game and education to the next level? Learn more about the University of Hertfordshire Netball Sports Scholarship Programme and apply now:
https://sport.herts.ac.uk/university-sports-scholarships