Performance netball programme

St Andrews offers students a world-leading academic education alongside a professionally run player-centred performance netball programme.

Led by full time Director of Netball Sally Sandison, we aim to deliver the very best support and a comprehensive programme of training and competition to enable our top players to harness their full potential and achieve sporting and academic excellence whilst studying at St Andrews.

Through the key principles of hard work, commitment and constant self-improvement, we seek to build resilience within the programme, whilst providing an environment to help our players excel and develop as ambassadors for the sport of netball.

Scholarships are aimed at players who are already competing at a high level and who believe they have the necessary attributes to be part of a performance netball programme whilst studying for their degree in St Andrews.

With world-class facilities, highly experienced coaches, and a comprehensive support programme, you’ll have access to a professional netball environment that provides all you will need to take your game and your education to the highest level as part of the truly unique student experience.

Performance netball squad 2023

Find out more

• Scholarships

  The University is committed to attracting high academic achievers with a talent for netball to come to study at St Andrews. There is nowhere more special that provides both a world-leading teaching experience combined with a professionally run netball programme.

  The University’s sport scholarship programme supports exceptional student athletes from around the world to achieve sporting and academic excellence whilst studying at the St Andrews. Combining academics with a performance programme can be very demanding, but ultimately, extremely rewarding. We are looking for exceptional individuals who are able to balance these demands and strive for excellence.

  We have developed a range of offers at undergraduate and postgraduate level in order to attract and then support our very best athletic students.

  Did you know?

  There are no eligibility restrictions on playing sport and representing the University whilst studying for a postgraduate qualification at St Andrews.

  
  

  Saints Netball Performance Scholarships

  Undergraduate/Postgraduate
  Saints Netball Performance Scholarships are offered to students who are playing at a high, competitive level and who wish to pursue an elite level of netball whilst studying in St Andrews.

  Scholarship players will be provided with a comprehensive support package and a wide ranging array of benefits including access to world-class facilities and highly experienced coaches. Players represent the University across Scotland and around the UK.

  Eligibility
  Scholarships are open to female players, and both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The number of scholarships awarded each year will be determined by the quality of the applicants.

  For more information and details on how to apply please visit the Sport Scholarships section of the Saints Sport website.

• Netball programme

  

  The University of St Andrews has developed a comprehensive player-centred netball programme that offers athletes a broad package of support.

  Players and coaches approach the season with commitment, energy and of course fun. We ask our players to work hard and to give their all.

  Players on the performance squad get access to:

  • Intensive pre-season and mid-season training camps
  • 2 technical on court sessions per week
  • Specialist coaching support
  • Dedicated shooting sessions
  • Fitness sessions; spin classes, cardio work
  • 2 sport specific Strength & Conditioning sessions per week
  • Performance analysis and game feedback
  • On-site physiotherapy support
  • Sports psychology
  • Leadership programme
  • Personal development workshops

• Competition

  
  

  British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) championships

  The netball performance squad currently competes in Scottish Tier 1 and the Trophy knock-out competition of the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championship.

  British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) is the national governing body for higher education sport in the UK.

  The squad competes on a weekly basis throughout term time in the tiered BUCS league structure and BUCS knockout competitions, contributing to the University’s overall standing in the BUCS points table.

  BUCS league matches are played on Saturdays, with home and away fixtures against each team in the league.

  Players on the programme also have the opportunity to trial for U19, U21 and SuperCup Sirens squads. Information regarding relevant trials are passed onto club members during the season.

  2023-24 Fixtures and Results: BUCS Scottish Tier 1

• Facilities

  

  Performance Centre

  Players within the netball programme have access to world-class facilities at St Andrews which enhances our ability to offer a professional environment allowing players to maximise their potential.

  Saints Sport offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, which are available all year round.

  Indoor facilities

  • dedicated performance suite
  • modern, spacious gym
  • exercise studio
  • four-court sports hall
  • new technical climbing wall
  • eight-court arena
  • four-court indoor tennis centre

  Outdoor facilities

  • 13 grass pitches
  • full-size floodlit 3G synthetic pitch
  • sand-dressed synthetic pitch
  • four tennis courts
  • additional multi-sport grass pitches
  • multi-sport courts

  Sports Arena

  

  The Sports Arena houses two netball courts, which are utilised for both training and matches. Featuring fully embedded video analysis technology and movable bleacher seating the facility allows for a crowd of 400 spectators at showcase fixtures.

  Performance Suite

  Players on the performance programme also make use of the top class Performance Suite – a dedicated Strength and Conditioning gym that provides a private space for the performance squad to train undisturbed. Sessions are run by expert Strength and Conditioning accredited coaches who develop basketball specific programmes for our athletes.