Superleague champion Asha Francis appointed Head of Netball at UoG

Three-time Superleague champion Asha Francis has been appointed Head of Netball at University of Gloucestershire, benefiting all students who play at league or recreational level and further enhancing the student experience.

The former England and Singapore international player was a member of the Team Bath team that won the inaugural Superleague title in 2006, before going on to win the title again in 2010 and, as captain, in 2013.

Asha (pictured left) has gained leadership and coaching experience across multiple ages and level of performance, including as assistant coach at Superleague club Mannas and as General Manager of the Sport Ready Netball Academy for five to 18-year-olds, both in her native Singapore.

After returning to the UK in 2021, Asha was appointed Technical Coach at Team Bath, where she also delivered coach education workshops across the South West, and promoted to Head Coach at Team Bath in the summer of 2022.

University of Gloucestershire, which offers netball scholarships, has three teams playing fixtures against other universities in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league, as well as providing opportunities for students to participate in recreational netball.

Graduates and sports scholars from the University include Wales netball international players Shona O’Dwyer and Ella Powell-Davies, and Scotland international Chloe Carchrie.

The University’s partnership with Hucclecote Netball Club provides students with opportunities to compete in the National Premier League and at regional and county level, and to gain officiating and coaching experience.

As Head of Netball, Asha will lead on all aspects of the University’s netball programme to ensure high standards are delivered for the benefit of students.

Commitment to ensuring best student experience

On her appointment, Asha Francis said: “I’m really looking forward to a fresh opportunity in a different context to bring my knowledge to a new space and to continue to develop my coaching craft. 

“I’m also really excited to  develop ways to continue to build on and strengthen the great work that Shaunagh Craig started last season. Bring on the BUCS season!”

Matt Tansley, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing, said: “We are absolutely delighted Asha has decided to join UoG. Asha is an outstanding coach and her track record speaks for itself.

“It shows great faith and trust in our approach to sport at the institution, as well as our ambition and our commitment to ensuring students get the very best experience.

“I can think of no one better to help build on the great work of our previous coaching team and keep driving netball forward at our university.”