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Manchester Thunder
Manchester Thunder
Manchester Thunder
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Manchester Thunder are an English netball team based in Manchester. Their senior team plays in the Netball Super League. In 2005–06, Thunder were founding members of the league. They were Super League champions in 2012, 2014, 2019 and 2022. Between 2001 and 2012 they played as Northern Thunder and were originally based in Bury, Greater Manchester.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Northern Thunder

[edit]

Between 2001 and 2005 Northern Thunder, together with five other franchises – Northern Flames, London Tornadoes, London Hurricanes, University of Birmingham Blaze and Team Bath Force – competed in the Super Cup. Northern Thunder won the 2002 Super Cup. Northern Thunder players from the Super Cup era included Amanda Newton, Tracey Neville, Jade Clarke and Sara Bayman[1][2][3][4]

In 2005 Northern Thunder were named as the North West England franchise in the new Netball Super League. Together with Brunel Hurricanes, Celtic Dragons, Leeds Carnegie, Galleria Mavericks, Team Bath, Loughborough Lightning and Team Northumbria, Northern Thunder were founding members of the league.[5] In 2012, Thunder won their first Superleague title. Janelle Lawson scored 33 goals as they defeated Surrey Storm 57–55 in the grand final.[6]

Manchester Thunder

[edit]

In 2012 Thunder relocated from Bury, Greater Manchester to Gorton.[7][8][9] They subsequently changed their name from Northern Thunder to Manchester Thunder ahead of the 2013 season.[10] In 2014 Thunder won their second Super League title after defeating Surrey Storm 49–48 in the grand final.[11] In 2019 Thunder won their third Super League title.[12][13]

In the 2022 season Manchester Thunder finished the regular season undefeated, becoming the first team to do so over 20 games. They defeated Team Bath in the semi-finals and then beat Loughborough Lightning in the final to claim their 4th Super League title.

In the 2023 season they finished 3rd in the regular season standings and were defeated in their semi-final by the eventual champions Loughborough Lightning. They beat Surrey Storm in the third-place play-off.

In the 2024 season Manchester Thunder finished the regular season top of the table, having only lost one game - against Loughborough Lightning at home. They faced Severn Stars in the Semi Final, beating them 63-54, to set up a final against Loughborough, where they were defeated 54-70.

In 2025 season, Thunder faced many challenges with Lois Pearson, Paige Reed and new signing Nicola Smith all out with injuries and Natalie Metcalf announcing her pregnancy. Despite this the team finished 3rd in the league qualifying for playoffs where they beat London Mavericks 79-49 in the minor Semi-Final, but lost to Loughborough Lightning 69-57 in the Preliminary Final.[14]

In August 2025 Debbie Hallas announced her decision to step down as a director and away from day-to-day involvement of Thunder.[14] The decision came after a requirement for new investment to support the club through NSL 2.0 and ensure they were awarded the franchise. She had been at the helm for 17 years but remains a minority shareholder.[15] David Jennings became the new owner.

In September 2025 Thunder launched a rebrand which incorporated a new logo, look and feel, as well as a new website.[14]

Senior finals

[edit]

Super Cup

[edit]
Season Winners Score Runners Up Venue
2002 [3][16] Northern Thunder University of Birmingham Blaze
2004 [17] Team Bath Force 49–43 Northern Thunder Blackpool

Netball Super League Grand Finals

[edit]
Season Winners Score Runners Up Venue
2012[6][18] Northern Thunder 57–55 Surrey Storm SportHouse
2014[11] Manchester Thunder 49–48 Surrey Storm Worcester Arena
2016[19][20] Surrey Storm 55–53 Manchester Thunder Copper Box Arena
2019[12][13] Manchester Thunder 57–52 Wasps Copper Box Arena
2022[21] Manchester Thunder 60–53 Loughborough Lightning Copper Box Arena
2024[22] Loughborough Lightning 70–54 Manchester Thunder Resorts World Arena

Mike Greenwood Trophy

[edit]

Since 2012 Manchester Thunder have hosted the Manchester Invitational Tournament. The winners are awarded the Mike Greenwood Trophy, named in honour of the former Northern Thunder head coach who died in 2011. It is usually played during pre-season.[23][24][25]

Season Winners Score Runners Up Venue
2012 Manchester Thunder
2013 Manchester Thunder
2014 [23] Manchester Thunder 13–12 Loughborough Lightning Thunderdome
2015 [24][26] Team Bath 19–14 Manchester Thunder
2016 [27][28] Wasps 22–15 Team Bath Belle Vue Sports Village
2018 [29] Manchester Thunder 31–29 benecosMavericks Oldham Leisure Centre [30]
2019 [25][31] Manchester Thunder 49–42 Saracens Mavericks Platt Lane Sports Complex

Home venues

[edit]

Thunder train and play their home games at several venues and locations throughout Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire[32] with their main training facility and head office at MMU Platt Lane Sports Complex. Between 2008–09 and 2011, Northern Thunder played their home Super League games at Castle Leisure Centre in Bury, Greater Manchester. In 2012 Manchester Thunder began playing their home Super League games at Wright Robinson College in Gorton. When Manchester Thunder played home games there, the arena was referred to as the Manchester Thunderdome.[7][8][9][33] Since 2020 Manchester Thunder have played a majority of their home Super League games at the National Basketball Performance Centre in the Belle Vue Sports Village [34] with other home Netball Super League matches being played at Manchester Arena[35][36] and in 2025 they will be playing at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool for the first time.

Notable players

[edit]

2025 squad

[edit]
2025 Manchester Thunder roster
Players Coaching staff
Nat. Name Position(s) DoB Height
England Natalie Metcalf Maternity leave WA, GA 9 December 1992 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in)
England Amy Carter (c) C, WD 28 October 1998 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
England Lois Pearson Injured GA, WA 20 September 1999 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)
South Africa Nicola Smith Injured GD, GK 25 April 2000 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
England Taylor McKevitt (vc) WD, C 16 December 1997 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
England Josie Huckle (vc) GK, GD 24 September 1991 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
South Africa Elmeré van der Berg GS, GA 19 October 2000 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
England Paige Reed Injured GA, GS 9 July 1997 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
England Anya Willams (TRP) GA, GS 19 October 2006 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
South Africa Ané Retief (TRP) GD, GK –
England Elia McCormick GD, GK, WD 25 November 1999 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
England Emma Rayner C, WA 7 June 2002 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)
England Indya Masser WA, C –
England Shannon Mahlik (TRP) GA, GS 2008 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
Head coach
  • Karen Greig
Assistant coach


Notes
  • (c) – Captain
  • (cc) – Co-captain
  • (vc) – Vice-captain
  • Injured or on maternity leave – Injury / maternity leave
  • (TRP) – Temporary Replacement Player
Player profiles: Team website Last updated: 12 July 2025

Internationals

[edit]
 England
 Australia
 Jamaica
 Malawi
 New Zealand
 Northern Ireland
 South Africa
 Wales

Sources:[39]

Head coaches

[edit]
Coach Years
England Mike Greenwood [9][40] 2008–2011
England Tracey Neville[9][41][42] 2011–2015
Australia Dan Ryan[43][44] 2015–2016
England Karen Greig [45] 2016–present

Honours

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Manchester Thunder

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Manchester Thunder is a professional netball franchise based in , , and one of the founding teams of the (NSL), the elite domestic competition in the established in 2005. The team has achieved notable success in the NSL, winning the championship four times in 2012, 2014, 2019, and 2022, and reaching the Grand Final in 2024 and 2025. Founded as part of the inaugural NSL season in 2005–06, Manchester Thunder has competed consistently at high-profile venues including the AO Arena and Belle Vue Arena in , as well as the M&S Bank Arena in . In the 2025 season, the team was led by Karen Greig. Beyond on-court performance, Manchester Thunder emphasizes community impact and inclusivity, including the launch of integrated men's and mixed teams in to promote growth and talent development in the sport. Rooted in the North West of England, the franchise focuses on elite performance, fan engagement, and commercial partnerships to innovate and advance globally.

History

Northern Thunder era (2001–2011)

Northern Thunder was established in 2001 as a professional franchise based in . The team emerged to represent the North West region in elite competition, drawing on local netball enthusiasm to build a competitive squad. From its inception, Northern Thunder competed in the , the precursor to the Netball Superleague. The team achieved its first major success by winning the 2002 title, defeating the Blaze in the final. Amanda Newton was named Player of the Series for her standout performance that year. Early players included international , who contributed to the team's development during this period. Mike Greenwood served as during the Super Cup era, guiding the squad through its formative competitions. As a founding member of the Netball Superleague, Northern Thunder participated in the inaugural 2005–06 season, marking the start of a new era for elite domestic in . The team faced early challenges in the highly competitive league, recording mid-table finishes as they worked to establish consistency against dominant sides like Team Bath. Despite these hurdles, the franchise emphasized building a foundation through regional development, fostering talent from to support long-term growth. This period laid the groundwork for future achievements, culminating in a transition to the Manchester Thunder identity ahead of the 2012–13 season.

Manchester Thunder era (2012–present)

In 2012, Northern Thunder rebranded to ahead of the 2013 season, aligning with a relocation from Bury to the Thunderdome at Wright Robinson Sports College in , , to strengthen local ties and expand fan engagement. This shift marked the start of a period focused on building a distinct identity, building on the club's inaugural Superleague title win earlier that year under the previous name. Manchester Thunder claimed their first title under the new branding in 2014, edging out Surrey Storm 49–48 in a dramatic decided by a last-minute goal from . The team added to their success in 2019, defeating defending champions Wasps 57–52 in the at the , ending a five-year drought with a resilient performance led by key contributions from shooter Ellie Cardwell. In 2022, Thunder completed an unbeaten regular season by overcoming Loughborough Lightning 60–53 in the , securing their fourth Superleague crown and demonstrating tactical dominance under Karen Greig. The significantly disrupted the era, with the 2020 season terminated after just three rounds due to lockdowns and health protocols, nullifying results and preventing title defense. The 2021 season proceeded in a condensed format with strict bio-secure bubbles and reduced crowds, though Thunder fell short of silverware as Loughborough Lightning claimed the title. In 2023, Manchester Thunder finished fifth in the regular season standings and did not qualify for the finals series, as Loughborough Lightning defended their title by defeating London Pulse in the grand final. The following year, in 2024, Thunder rebounded to reach the grand final after a strong semi-final win, but lost 54–70 to Loughborough Lightning at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, finishing as runners-up for the second time in their history. In the 2025 Netball Superleague season, Manchester Thunder finished third in the standings before advancing to the preliminary final, where they lost 57–69 to Loughborough Lightning at the Sir David Wallace Arena. Later that , the club unveiled a comprehensive rebrand, introducing a new logo symbolizing city pride and launching an updated website to enhance digital engagement ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Administration and facilities

Ownership and management

Manchester Thunder traces its origins to Northern Thunder, established in 2001 as a community-based franchise representing the North West of England in the inaugural competition, operating under a model supported by local associations and England Netball. In 2008, ownership transitioned to a private structure when Debbie Hallas and Mike Greenwood, through their company Netball UK Ltd, acquired the franchise from England Netball, marking a shift toward professionalized . Hallas assumed the role of managing director, overseeing operations during the rebranding to Manchester Thunder in 2012 and subsequent successes in the Netball Superleague. A significant in 2019 bolstered the club's financial stability, with David Jennings, chief executive of UAP Limited, joining the board and providing key backing for Superleague participation. By , the board comprised Hallas as managing director, Jennings, commercial Gary Young, and Caroline Rogers, reflecting a structure focused on commercial growth, governance, and sustainability to support elite competition. This composition ensured diversified financial support through sponsorships and , enabling consistent Superleague involvement amid rising operational costs. In August 2025, following Hallas's decision to step down as club director after 17 years—while retaining a minority shareholding—Jennings assumed ownership, streamlining leadership for the franchise's next phase. The transition, formalized on August 13, 2025, positioned Jennings at the helm of day-to-day operations and strategic decisions. Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has played a pivotal role in management and training since a 2017 partnership agreement, providing access to high-performance facilities at Platt Lane Sports Complex, sport science research, and elite athlete development support. Expanded in 2022 and 2023, this collaboration integrates MMU's expertise in performance analysis and , enhancing the club's administrative efficiency and competitive edge without direct ownership involvement.

Home venues

Manchester Thunder, originally known as Northern Thunder from 2001 to 2011, played its initial home games at Bury Leisure Centre (also referred to as Castle Leisure Centre) in Greater Manchester. Following the rebranding in 2012, the team shifted its primary match-day venue to Belle Vue Sports Village in east Manchester, a multi-sport facility that hosts most regular-season home fixtures and fosters regional fan engagement through its community-oriented atmosphere. The venue features a show court with a capacity exceeding 2,000 spectators, enabling vibrant match experiences. The team's primary training base has been the MMU Platt Lane in , , since 2012, where it conducts daily sessions, strength and conditioning work, and physiotherapy in partnership with . For high-profile matches drawing larger crowds, Manchester Thunder plays at the AO Arena (formerly ) in central . In May 2025, the team debuted at the M&S Bank Arena in against Birmingham Panthers, marking an effort to broaden its audience beyond .

Team personnel

Coaching staff

Manchester Thunder's current head coach is Karen Greig, who was appointed as Director of Netball and in August 2016, succeeding Dan Ryan after serving as his assistant. Under Greig's leadership, the team has secured Netball Superleague titles in 2019 and 2022, contributing to Thunder's overall success as four-time champions. Her coaching staff includes assistant coaches Laura Malcolm and Gabs Towell, who support the team's tactical and developmental efforts for the 2025 season. Historically, Mike Greenwood served as head coach from 2008 to 2011, taking over during a franchise transition and focusing on building the team's foundation in the Superleague despite challenges, including personal losses. He is honored through the Mike Greenwood Trophy, awarded annually in pre-season matches. held the position from 2011 to 2015, guiding the team—then transitioning from Northern Thunder—to Superleague victories in 2012 and 2014, establishing a period of competitive dominance. Neville's tenure emphasized high-performance standards, drawing from her international experience. Dan Ryan was head coach from 2015 to 2016, bringing Australian expertise from his time with the and implementing structured training approaches before departing for international opportunities. Under Greig, the team has prioritized defensive strategies, informed by her background as a defender, alongside youth integration from the pathway program, enabling a resilient playoff performance in 2025 amid injury challenges to key players.

2025 squad

The 2025 Manchester Thunder squad for the Netball Superleague consisted of ten core players, led by captain in the centre (C), wing defence (WD), and wing attack (WA) positions. Vice-captains were Josie Huckle at goal keeper (GK) and goal defence (GD), and Taylor McKevitt at WD and C. The roster emphasized a blend of experienced English internationals and South African imports, with the team drawing on temporary replacement players to cover absences due to injuries and maternity leave. Natalie Metcalf was absent for the entire season on maternity leave, with her child born in May 2025; Indya Masser was signed as her permanent replacement.
PlayerPosition(s)NationalityNumberStatus/Notes
Josie Huckle (VC)GK/GD73Veteran defender, 50+ England caps
Nicola SmithGD/GKNAInjured (broken arm, missed early season)
Elia McCormickGD/GK/WD59Versatile defender
Taylor McKevitt (VC)WD/C70Midcourt leader, 30+ England caps
(C)C/WD/WA51Captain, 40+ England caps
Emma RaynerWA/C66Emerging midcourter
Indya MasserWA/C82Young attacker, permanent replacement for Metcalf
Lois PearsonGA/WA58Injured ( in January, limited play)
Paige ReedGA/GS77Injured (foot stress response, majority of season missed)
Elmeré van der BergGS/GA78Key shooter, height advantage at 1.91m
Key players included South African goal shooter/attack Elmeré van der Berg, who provided scoring prowess in the attacking end, and English captain , whose leadership guided the midcourt. The squad's defensive unit was anchored by Huckle's experience, while McKevitt offered flexibility across positions. International representation was strong, with eight English players holding Roses caps ranging from 30 to over 50, alongside two South African imports. Temporary replacements such as Ané Retief (for Smith), Anya (GA/GS), and Shannon Mahlik (GA/GS) filled gaps, particularly in the shooting circle and defense. Injuries to Paige Reed (foot stress response requiring rehabilitation) and Lois Pearson (hamstring injury necessitating January surgery) sidelined both for significant portions of the season, limiting their contributions to limited appearances late in the campaign. New signing Nicola Smith also missed the early rounds due to a broken arm. These absences strained the attacking depth, forcing reliance on younger players and adjustments in rotations, yet Thunder adapted, finishing 3rd in the regular season. The team won the minor semi-final 79–49 against London Mavericks on 20 June 2025 but lost the preliminary final 57–69 to on 28/29 June 2025.

Notable players

Manchester Thunder has been home to several international netball stars who have contributed significantly to the team's success in the Netball Superleague. England international , a goal shooter, played for the club from 2013 to 2016 and was instrumental in their 2014 Superleague title win against Surrey Storm. Housby, who debuted for the Vitality Roses in 2014, helped Thunder secure a dramatic last-second victory in the grand final, marking one of the club's early major triumphs. Natalie Metcalf, another Roses stalwart and current co-captain, has been a cornerstone of Thunder's midfield since joining in 2012, contributing to championship wins in 2019 and 2022. Metcalf, who made her international debut in 2015, has earned recognition for her versatility as a wing attack and centre, including selections to the Roses squad for major tournaments like the gold medal victory. Former captain Sara Bayman, an international with over 200 caps, led Thunder from 2009 to 2017, guiding the team to the 2012 Superleague title and multiple finals appearances. Bayman, known for her leadership in midcourt, transitioned to coaching after retirement but remains a pivotal figure in the club's history for stabilizing the team during its formative years. In recent years, South African international Elmeré van der Berg has made her mark as a goal attack for Thunder since 2023, earning honors in key Superleague games and contributing to their 2022 title defense efforts. Van der Berg, who represented the Proteas at the , brings international experience that has bolstered Thunder's attacking options. In 2025, she was the league's top scorer with 567 goals. Award-winning players highlight Thunder's talent pipeline. Lois Pearson, an international and defender, was named Players' Player of the Season in 2024 for her standout performances that helped Thunder top the league table. Pearson's interceptions and defensive leadership have been crucial in recent campaigns. Career milestones underscore long-term commitments. Emma Dovey, a three-time Superleague champion and former captain, amassed over 200 appearances for Thunder across 13 seasons before retiring in 2021. Dovey's tenure included titles in 2012, 2014, and 2019, where she excelled as a centre and provided veteran stability. Amy Carter, the current captain and international, has led Thunder to multiple titles since her debut in 2017, including the 2019 championship, and surpassed 100 appearances by 2025 while balancing her medical studies. Carter's midcourt prowess and leadership have been key in four title wins, establishing her as a modern icon for the club.

Achievements and records

Netball Superleague titles

Manchester Thunder have secured four Netball Superleague championships since the league's inception in 2005, establishing themselves as one of the competition's most successful franchises. These victories came in 2012, 2014, 2019, and 2022, with the club reaching the playoffs again in 2025. The club's first title arrived in 2012, when Northern Thunder— the predecessor name to Manchester Thunder—defeated Surrey Storm 57–55 in the at SportHouse in . This win marked the franchise's inaugural Superleague championship after an unbeaten run through the initial phase of the season, held on May 20. The narrow two-point victory highlighted the intensity of the matchup, securing the title on their grand final debut. In , Manchester Thunder claimed their second with a dramatic 49–48 triumph over Surrey Storm at the Arena on April 26. The game remained tied at 48–48 with just 25 seconds remaining, before Thunder scored the decisive goal in the final moments, clinching the title in a replay of the 2012 final. This victory solidified their status as repeat contenders following the rebranding from Northern Thunder ahead of the 2013 season. Thunder's third Superleague crown came in , ending a five-year with a 57–52 win against Wasps Netball at the in on May 18. The match was a tense affair, with Thunder overcoming the defending champions in a closely contested that showcased their resilience after a strong regular-season performance. This success marked their first title since 2014 and reaffirmed their competitive edge. The most recent triumph occurred in 2022, as Manchester Thunder completed an undefeated season by beating Loughborough Lightning 60–53 in the grand final at the on June 5. This emphatic victory capped a perfect campaign, where they topped the league table and advanced through the without a loss, adding a fourth to their tally.
YearOpponentScoreVenue
2012Surrey Storm57–55SportHouse,
2014Surrey Storm49–48 Arena
2019Wasps 57–52,
2022Loughborough Lightning60–53,

Competition finals

Manchester Thunder, originally competing as Northern Thunder, achieved early success in the with a victory in the inaugural 2002 final against Birmingham Blaze, marking their first major trophy in the competition. The team returned to the final in 2004 but fell short, losing 43–49 to Team Bath Force in . In the Netball Superleague, Manchester Thunder have reached several s but endured notable defeats. The 2016 saw them narrowly lose 53–55 to Surrey Storm after a dramatic comeback attempt, with the match decided in the closing moments at London's . More recently, in the 2024 at Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, they were defeated 54–70 by Loughborough Lightning, ending their bid for a fifth title despite a strong regular-season performance. Thunder's playoff runs have also included preliminary final appearances, such as in 2025, where they lost 57–69 to Loughborough Lightning at , preventing a grand final berth after earlier playoff victories. These losses highlight recurring challenges in high-stakes matches, often against defensively robust opponents like Lightning and , where Thunder's offensive output has occasionally faltered under pressure.
CompetitionYearOpponentResultVenueSource
Super Cup2002Birmingham BlazeWinNot specifiedOur Netball History
Super Cup2004Team Bath Force43–49 (Loss)BlackpoolAENA Super Cup History
Superleague Grand Final2016Surrey Storm53–55 (Loss), BBC Sport
Superleague Grand Final2024 Lightning54–70 (Loss)Resorts World Arena, BirminghamBBC Sport
Superleague Preliminary Final2025 Lightning57–69 (Loss)Netball Super League

Mike Greenwood Trophy

The Mike Greenwood Trophy is a pre-season invitational in English , named in honour of Mike Greenwood, who served as of Northern Thunder (the predecessor to Manchester Thunder) from 2008 until his death in 2011. Greenwood's coaching legacy, which included elevating the team through key strategic developments, inspired the establishment of the competition as a to his impact on the club and the sport. The was first contested in 2012 and typically features round-robin matches among Vitality Netball Superleague teams, culminating in a final to determine the winner. Manchester Thunder has enjoyed significant success in the Mike Greenwood Trophy, winning it five times during the club's : in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2019. The team claimed the inaugural edition in 2012 and defended the title consecutively in 2013 and 2014, hosting the event at the Thunderdome and finishing unbeaten in the latter year. In the 2014 final, Thunder secured a narrow 13–12 victory over Loughborough Lightning in a tense decider that highlighted their early-season composure. Thunder reclaimed the trophy in 2018 with a dramatic extra-time win over Benecos and again in 2019 by topping the group stage at the Invitational Tournament before defeating Saracens 49–42 in the final. These pre-season triumphs have often served as indicators of Thunder's competitive form heading into the regular Vitality Netball Superleague campaign.

Youth and community programs

Academy and development

The was established as part of the club's development following its from Northern Thunder to Thunder in , aiming to nurture elite talent in the North West of England through structured youth programs. The academy operates a performance pathway spanning from under-11s to under-23s, with dedicated squads for under-19 and under-15 age groups that emphasize technical skills, tactical development, physical conditioning, and player well-being. Affiliated with (MMU) since 2017, the partnership expanded in 2023 to include a co-branded and Performance Centre at MMU's facilities, enhancing access to professional coaching and resources for these junior programs. In August 2025, the under-15 academy squad achieved significant success by winning the U15 National Academies Tournament, defeating London Mavericks in the final to claim the championship title after a competitive weekend of matches against other franchises' academies. This victory highlighted the academy's effectiveness in preparing young athletes for high-level competition, with the team demonstrating strong and execution throughout . The academy serves as a key talent pipeline to the senior team, with several graduates progressing to professional contracts. For instance, Taylor McKevitt, who developed through the Thunder youth pathway, returned to the club and secured a spot in the 2025 senior squad as a wing defense and , contributing to the team's group. Such transitions underscore the academy's role in bridging junior development to elite performance. To further support coach education and talent growth, the academy hosts coaching conferences and masterclasses, including the October 2025 Netball Masterclass led by members of the NSL squad. Held on October 4 at Platt Lane Sports Complex, this event targeted players aged 9-14, offering direct insights from professionals to enhance skills in attack and defense.

Affiliated teams

Manchester Thunder's ParaNetball program, launched in November 2022 in partnership with , provides inclusive opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities, special educational needs, and disabilities to participate in and adaptive . The program emphasizes ability over disability, offering monthly sessions led by DBS-certified coaches at venues like and Platt Lane Sports Complex, and has competed in national events such as the 2025 ParaNetball Festival hosted by England . The club's affiliated men's and mixed teams, established in October 2024, compete in regional leagues including the Men's and Mixed Netball Association (EMMNA) competitions to promote gender inclusivity and talent development in the sport. These teams, known as Thunder Men's & Mixed, participate in events like the EMMNA Mixed League and National Championships, where in 2025, player Jamal Nicholson was awarded Men's Player of the Tournament, highlighting their competitive presence. Affiliated teams integrate closely with the main club through shared facilities and resources at Platt Lane Sports Complex, Manchester Metropolitan University's training hub, where joint sessions and events foster cross-program collaboration. In October 2025, the club highlighted these efforts on , showcasing training highlights and the third anniversary of ParaNetball to engage the community. These programs contribute to Manchester Thunder's broader community impact by advancing inclusivity in across , creating accessible environments that encourage participation from diverse groups and supporting Netball's goals for adaptive and mixed play.

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  39. https://www.manchesterthunder.co.uk/product/manchester-thunder-vs-birmingham-panthers-18-05-25-ms-bank-arena-liverpool/
  40. https://liverpoolcityregiondp.com/2025/04/02/manchester-thunder-netball-tickets/
  41. https://www.skysports.com/netball/news/12415/12627827/vitality-netball-superleague-manchester-thunder-win-2022-grand-final-and-complete-perfect-season
  42. https://www.ournetballhistory.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1-JM-History-of-Netball.pdf
  43. https://www.bbc.com/sport/netball/36238476
  44. https://www.skysports.com/netball/news/12040/13390328/netball-super-league-loughborough-lightning-book-spot-in-grand-final-with-69-57-win-over-manchester-thunder
  45. https://www.thundernetball.co.uk/pathway/
  46. https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/news/manchester-thunder-crowned-2025-u15-national-academies-tournament-champions/
  47. https://www.thundernetball.co.uk/taylor-mckevitt/
  48. https://www.manchesterthunder.co.uk/events/netball-masterclass-with-thunder-nsl-squad-sat-4th-oct-2025/
  49. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1KLA6cS9B0
  50. https://www.thundernetball.co.uk/paranetball/
  51. https://www.nicholsplc.co.uk/manchester-thunder-paranetball-club/
  52. https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/news/2025-paranetball-festival-a-huge-success/
  53. https://www.instagram.com/thundermenmixed/?hl=en
  54. https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/news/2025-champions-crowned-at-emmna-national-championships/
  55. https://www.instagram.com/thunderparanetball/
  56. https://www.thundernetball.co.uk/about/
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