Netball Super League | Manchester Thunder strengthen off-court team as they prepare to begin title defence

Manchester Thunder, the reigning Vitality Netball Superleague Champions, are strengthening their off-court team as part of their determination to continue to grow and develop.

Two key appointments have been made to the Thunder Board bringing commercial, business development and operational expertise to the club as they prepare for the start of the 2020 season which will see them defending their title.

Gary Young joins as a Non-Executive Director responsible for strategic development. He brings with him a wealth of commercial, business development and digital transformation expertise and will support the team’s ambitious growth strategy.

Caroline Rogers becomes the new Franchise Director responsible for the day-to-day operations of Thunder. In addition, she will work closely with the Board to grow the commercial side of the business, bringing in more investment to the franchise and exploring opportunities.

She has an impressive and extensive range of experience in the operational delivery of world-class sporting events, having previously worked for the ICC Cricket World Cup, GB Taekwondo, Rugby Football League, Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, Wimbledon and the Ryder Cup.

Debbie Hallas, Manchester Thunder Managing Director, said:

“Securing the services of both Gary and Caroline is a massive coup for the club as their combined skills and experience are exactly what we need to fulfil our ambition to grow and develop on and off court.

Following England’s Commonwealth Games win and the World Cup in Liverpool, this is a hugely exciting time for netball. As the current Superleague champions, we have a fantastic platform for building on this momentum and key to achieving this is getting the right people on board.”

Gary Young said:

“I am delighted to be joining Manchester Thunder at this incredibly exciting time for the Franchise. Since my initial engagement in November, I’ve been hugely impressed by all aspects of the organisation and can’t wait to get involved in growing the club to meet the Board’s aspirations, ensuring that Manchester Thunder really stands out from the competition.

“From a personal perspective, I’ve seen first-hand the transformative effect of Netball through my wife’s re-introduction to the sport 5 years ago and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to give something back.”

Caroline Rogers added:

“As a proud Northerner, and a dedicated ambassador of women in sport, I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Manchester Thunder as this fantastic time for both the franchise and the netball as a sport.

“Having worked in a variety of sports at a senior operational level and having delivered a number of world-class sporting events around the world, I am really excited to now be working with the Manchester Thunder family and board to develop and progress all aspects of the franchise and help it realise its full and true potential. Exciting times ahead.”

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