Gordon's Netball Players are on Top of the World

Published by Gordon's School on Tuesday 21st of July 2026

Gordon’s School’s First VII netball team are champions of the world, after beating schools from across the globe to win the World Schools Netball Cup!

Gordon’s School’s First VII netball team are champions of the world, after beating schools from across the globe to win the World Schools Netball Cup!

The team, who were able to compete in the U17 Cup, chose the more difficult option of playing in the U19s and won every single game in the three day event held at Loughborough University. The U15 VII, also playing in the tournament, claimed the Bowl in their games!

For the tight-knit team, coached by Premier League netball player Nicole Humphrys, the cup win was the icing on the cake after a successful season which saw them come out as London and South East Champions (England Netball National Finalists) for the third consecutive season; Sisters n Sport National Cup Finalists and the Independent Schools’ League Finalists. Three of the seven in the team were also selected to play for their country.

Gordon’s played teams from all over the world, making convincing wins each time although the final game against All Saints Anglican School in Australia was nail-biting to the end and by full time there were just three points in the win.

Two of the MPV Awards at the tournament were also awarded, to Gordon’s Captain Anna Dale-Smith in the finals and Lily in the semi-finals.

Anna Dale-Smith, who also captains England U17 said the victory was down to hard work and the composure of the team and the whole tournament had been enjoyable. “We all just kept working hard. We all came away thinking not necessarily how happy we were but that we had enjoyed the whole thing. Nothing went wrong in any sense.

“It was a close game. It was the composure of all of us. Everyone was running around and so happy”.

She explained that competing in a tournament like World Schools certainly tested their mettle: ”There was a fair mix of standards and there were some UK schools we hadn’t played before. Not having played schools makes a difference and then when you introduce schools from other cultures and countries, it’s a different style of playing. You don’t know what to expect. You have to adapt.

“For instance the schools from Australia are very regimented and it’s all down to structure which is quite difficult to tackle but it’s the sort of thing that when you get it you can defend it and while it isn’t easy, it is predictable.”

Head of Netball, Miss Humphrys, said: “I am incredibly proud of the way all three squads represented Gordon’s across the three days of competition. Our Year 8 team, at the start of their netball journey at the school, reached the Plate quarter-finals, while our U15s were crowned Bowl champions. Both teams were inspired by our 1st team, who were crowned WSG Champions. The camaraderie, culture, and unwavering support shown by players, staff and family members throughout the tournament made the experience even more special. I am immensely proud of our netball programme at Gordon’s”.

Thursday 25th June - Gordon’s vs Solihull School – 36-8

- Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School vs Gordon’s 16-9

Friday 26th June - Gordon’s vs Loughborough College 23-16

- Windhoek Gymnasium Private School vs Gordon’s 22-26

Saturday 27th June - Gordon’s vs Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School U17 31-15

- All Saints Anglican School U17 vs Gordon’s 22-25