Netball is preparing for its 'Hollywood moment' on the global stage next year.
A new campaign is celebrating the sport’s rising stars through a Hollywood-inspired photoshoot ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The campaign, dubbed The Net Ball, features seven of Scotland’s top players styled in couture and photographed by fashion photographer Gerardo Jaconelli in a shoot inspired by Vanity Fair’s Hollywood issue.
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Emily Nicholl, captain of the Scottish Thistles, said: “Netball is high-scoring, fast and furious – it’s one of the best sports in the world to watch.
“Every player trains, eats and plays like an elite professional athlete, whether full time or not.
“The word beast isn’t traditionally feminine, but why shouldn’t it be?
“I’ve always owned it, and I don’t want girls to shy away from strength.
“That’s what thousands of people will see on the court at the Games.”
The 31-year-old, who combines her international netball career with her work as a solicitor, has described the prospect of a home Games as a huge opportunity.
She said: “At Glasgow 2014, I was a student watching the final at the Hydro.
“It wasn’t even on my radar that I could ever play for Scotland.
“Two years later, I won my first cap and now I could be back on that same court, competing at a home Commonwealth Games.
“To have a dream and see it become a possibility is incredibly special.
“I’ve played at two Games before, but this one would be different – surrounded by friends, family and, hopefully, who knows, maybe a few new little Emilys in the crowd dreaming their own dreams.
“The Commonwealth Games is our Olympics and this feels like a Hollywood moment – a chance for netball to shine in front of a global audience, to show how far we’ve come and how far we can go as a team and as a sport.”
A total of 144 players from 12 nations will compete across 38 matches.
The 2026 Games will be held from July 23 to August 2, with netball taking place at Glasgow’s Hydro.
Jazmine Moore, a 21-year-old medical student from Paisley, described the prospect of competing at a home Games as a dream come true.
She said: “Globally, netball is diverse and there’s no exception in Scotland – the opportunities are there.
“For me, the Games symbolise talent and hard work on the world stage, inspiring others – on and off the court.”
Read more: Officials insist there will be a legacy from 2026 Commonwealth Games
The Net Ball photoshoot featured Emily Nicholl, Iona Christian, Jazmine Moore, Emma Barrie, Niamh McCall, Hannah Grant and Hannah Leighton.
It took place at former Scotland’s Home of the Year Kirklee Mansion in Glasgow’s west end, directed by photographer Gerardo Jaconelli in partnership with Netball Scotland.
The players were styled by Laura McLetchie, with clothing by HALO Glasgow, accessories by ROX Diamonds, and hair and makeup by Sarah McCulloch and Olivia M.
Jade Gallagher, chief operating officer of Glasgow 2026, said: “Netball is always one of the standout events – action-packed and exciting – and we expect a party atmosphere at the Hydro.
“Whether fans are lifelong supporters or new to the game, they’ll see 12 of the world’s best teams battling it out across nine days of world-class action.
“We want every sport at Glasgow 2026 to spark new obsessions and fuel existing ones – and netball will do just that, showcasing women’s sport.”
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