Rachel Towell – NXT GEN League

This season, Manchester Academy Coach and Stockport Grammar Head of Netball Rachel Towell is representing a North West franchise in the NXT Gen league. We caught up with Rachel to find out more.

What is the NXT Gen league?

NXT Gen is a feeder league running underneath the superleague to provide competition and opportunities for emerging talent.

Tell us about your netball playing experience

I currently play for Blackpool Netball Club in National Prem 3, I came through the Thunder pathway at U17 and U19 level and competed for Lightning at U21s. For the past few seasons, I have trained with the Thunder superleague squad.

What do you like most about training with the squad?

We have already created a great training environment which is competitive and supportive so I’m excited to see how we will continue to progress as a squad. 

Who are you most looking forward to playing against (team or players?)

I think with it being the first season of the league, all the teams are quite unknown, it will be interesting to see how we come up against new opposition as a new squad.

When did training start and what do your weekly commitments look like?

Training started at the start of October and we train twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, S & C for an hour and on court for two hours.

What are you most looking forward to about the Nxt Gen league?

Being part of a new squad/competition and playing against some of the best netballers in the country.

We wish Rachel and her squad a positive and successful season in the NXT Gen league. You can find fixtures and results here.