Raising money for Children in Need on Sunday Nov 2nd
Over the past 20 years, SoccerAid, the brainchild of Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, has raised more than £100m for Unicef.
Over the next 20 years, Netball Aid, launching next month, aims to mirror that trajectory.
That is the vision of Alison Akinrinlola, the former England netball and now director and co-founder of the Birmingham Panthers franchise.
“I thought: ‘Let’s do something’”
“I was listening to the radio over the summer, in July or August, and I heard on the radio about how many kids in the UK only have one meal a day,” said Alison.
“I thought: ‘Let’s do something.’ The penny just dropped at that moment. I need to do something to give back, so Netball Aid was born and now I’m hoping it takes off like SoccerAid has done.”
Netball Aid had been in the back of Alison’s mind for a while. She’d mentioned it to contacts at the BBC, idealistically suggesting a vision to do what SoccerAid has done.
“It’s too short notice for this year – maybe 2026,” came the reply.
Alison had other ideas.
3pm Sunday Nov 2nd at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham
The inaugural Netball Aid event kicks off at 3pm on Sunday November 2 at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham.
On the schedule is and England men’s game (yes, men play netball, too), a Guinness world record attempt at slotting 1,500 goals in a hour, before the main event at 6pm: a celebrity netball match.
Already signed up to take part are:
- Dame Denise Lewis, former GB athlete
- Ashley Cain, former pro footballer
- Serena Guthrie, former England netball
- Shakira Khan, Love Island contestant
- Zachariah Noble, Love Island contestant
- Ava Hiron, social media influencer
In the commentary booth will be Trish Adudu, one-time under-18 England netball turned larger-than-life BBC radio host.
3m grassroots netballers in the UK
More than 3m women and girls play grassroots netball in the UK. The start of netball’s professional era offers a huge opportunity to celebrate the sport, build new audiences and strengthen the community behind it.
“Our aim is to get at least 6,000 people to attend this year’s event, and to raise £50,000 for Children in Need,” said Alison.
“Next year, we’re targeting 8,000 attendees and to raise more than £100,000.
Targeting Harry Styles
“We’ve got a great group of celebrities involved, who have generously donated their time to take part in the event, and we’ll be announcing more soon. I’m still hoping for a call from Harry Styles. I know he likes netball.”
Several corporate backers are already on board, including Elandr, NEC (Utilita Arena), ADI, Neon, Samurai, Sportserve, BK Plus accountants, Gateley law firm and Gilbert.
‘Seat Saints’ – buy seats for people who can’t afford them
Netball Aid is offering people or businesses to buy seats for people who may not be able to afford them through a scheme called Seat Saints.
To be a Seat Saint, email: netballaid@netballaid.co.uk
To buy tickets the normal way, visit www.netballaid.co.uk
“It’s going to be a fun afternoon. It’s the last day of half-term. A fun family day out,” said Alison.
“I want to thank everyone who has booked tickets so far, and urge everyone else to buy tickets and help fill this area for Children in Need.”
