Nottingham Forest Netball sign Chelsea Pitman as Head Coach

The Club is delighted to announce the appointment of England Roses legend, Chelsea Pitman as Head Coach with immediate effect. The 36-year-old will lead Forest in its inaugural season as the team prepares to compete in the NSL.

Chelsea’s appointment marks a significant early milestone for Nottingham Forest Netball, signalling the club’s ambitious vision for the future. With an impressive career that spans over a decade, Pitman’s influence on the sport has been far-reaching.

Following her early career in Australia, she moved to the UK to join Manchester Thunder, contributing significantly to their Super League title in 2014. Pitman’s international prowess was solidified when she was selected to represent the Australian Diamonds, winning Gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and lifting the 2015 Netball World Cup. In 2017, Pitman further cemented her international reputation by representing England’s Vitality Roses, playing a pivotal role in securing England’s historic Gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Predominantly wing attack, Pitman played for the likes of Manchester Thunder, London Pulse and Adelaide Thunderbirds, plying her trade in Australia, New Zealand and England. Earlier last month, Pitman called an end to a playing career spanning 14 years, as she now prepares to embark on an exciting new chapter in coaching.

Speaking of her appointment, Pitman said: “I am extremely excited at what this opportunity presents. Not just for myself but for those that will get to embark on this Nottingham Forest Netball journey as well.

“I am under no illusion that it won’t come without its challenges but that is what excites me the most. This is where growth happens!

“There are lots of moving parts to get a team together and with recruitment just around the corner, it’s time to get to work. I have a clear vision of what we want here at Nottingham Forest Netball, good culture!

“I want to attract players that want to invest in their netball, invest in helping our sport grow, open to challenges and tap into their netball brain. But it’s more than that, I want players that want to be better, well rounded, holistic athletes but more importantly, good people.”

A club spokesperson said: “Chelsea has extensive experience, both as a player and a leader, together with a deep understanding of the game. Coupled with her dedication to excellence, inclusivity and the development of young talent, this makes her the ideal appointment to guide our team.

We are excited to embark on this journey together and look forward to what we can hope to achieve.”

Nottingham Forest Netball will compete in the relaunched NSL in 2025.

You can follow Nottingham Forest Netball on Instagram, X and Facebook.

Photo credit: Getty

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