Netball Icon Thrills Oldham, 2026

Key Points

• International netball legend, Dame Eloise Perry, visited Oldham for a celebratory event organised by Oldham Netball Club and local council.
• Event held on March 4, 2026, at Oldham Sports Centre, drawing over 500 attendees including players, coaches, and families.
• Dame Eloise Perry, former England Netball captain with 150 international caps, delivered keynote speech on resilience and grassroots sport.
• Workshops led by Perry covered shooting techniques, defensive strategies, and mental preparation for young athletes aged 8-18.
• Exhibition match featured Oldham juniors vs invited Manchester team, ending 45-38, with Perry coaching from sidelines.
• Oldham Council Mayor, Councillor Jean Roscoe, presented Perry with civic honour for promoting women’s sport.
• Local MP Jim McMahon attended, praising event as boost for Oldham’s community health initiatives.
• Sponsors included local firms like Oldham Chronicle and Sport England, funding free entry for under-16s.
• Event included Q&A session where Perry shared stories from 2019 World Cup win and Olympic campaigns.
• Future plans announced: annual Oldham Netball Fest starting 2027, with Perry as patron.
• Attendance up 30% from last year’s local tournament, per Oldham Netball Club secretary Lisa Hargreaves.
• Safety measures included enhanced stewarding after recent local incidents, as noted by event organiser Mark Fenton.
• Perry met with disability netball groups, advocating for inclusive sport access.
• Photos and videos shared widely on social media, garnering 10,000 views by evening.

Oldham (Manchester Mirror) March 05, 2026 – Oldham erupted in celebration yesterday as international netball legend Dame Eloise Perry headlined a major community event at the Oldham Sports Centre, inspiring hundreds of young players and fans alike. The gathering, organised by Oldham Netball Club in partnership with the local council, featured workshops, an exhibition match, and a keynote address from the former England captain. Over 500 attendees filled the venue, marking one of the borough’s biggest sports days this year.

Who is the International Netball Legend Visiting Oldham?

Dame Eloise Perry, a household name in British netball, boasts an illustrious career spanning two decades. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of Oldham Reporter, Perry earned 150 caps for England, captaining the Roses to their 2019 Netball World Cup triumph and securing Commonwealth gold in 2014. “Dame Eloise isn’t just a player; she’s a pioneer who elevated women’s netball on the global stage,” Jenkins wrote, quoting Perry’s post-event statement: “Oldham’s passion for netball reminds me why I love this sport – it’s about community and grit.”

Perry, now 42 and retired from international play, serves as a Sport England ambassador. During her visit, she conducted hands-on sessions for juniors. Oldham Netball Club chair, Tom Wilkins, told Manchester Mirror correspondent David Hale: “Having Eloise here validates our grassroots efforts; she’s the GOAT of netball.”

What Happened at the Oldham Netball Celebration?

The day’s schedule kicked off at 10am with free clinics for 200 schoolchildren. Perry demonstrated her signature shooting arc, a technique she refined during her 300-goal World Cup campaign. As covered by Emily Carter of Oldham Chronicle, the workshops rotated through attack plays, goal circle defence, and fitness drills tailored for ages 8-18.

The highlight was the 2pm exhibition match: Oldham Juniors versus Manchester Thunder Academy, concluding 45-38 in favour of the visitors. Perry provided live coaching, shouting encouragements like “Feet planted, eyes up!” from the bench. Event MC and local radio host Raj Patel announced: “This scoreline doesn’t matter; the inspiration does.”

Post-match, a civic reception saw Mayor Councillor Jean Roscoe award Perry a plaque. Roscoe stated: “Oldham is proud to honour Dame Eloise for championing women’s sport amid our town’s regeneration push.”

Why Did Oldham Host This Netball Spectacular?

Oldham’s netball scene has surged, with participation up 25% since 2024, per council data. The event aimed to capitalise on this, fostering health and unity in a borough facing economic challenges. Local MP Jim McMahon, speaking to BBC Manchester’s Laura Kent, said: “Events like this combat inactivity; netball builds resilience in our youth, especially girls.”

Organiser Mark Fenton of Oldham Netball Club explained to Not Really Here Media’s Alex Thorne: “Post-pandemic, we needed a beacon. Eloise’s visit spotlights Oldham as a netball hub.” Sponsors Oldham Chronicle and Sport England covered costs, ensuring free under-16 entry, which boosted turnout by 30%, according to club secretary Lisa Hargreaves.

How Did Dame Perry Engage with the Community?

Perry’s Q&A session drew rapt attention. Answering a question from 12-year-old player Aisha Khan, she recounted: “In the 2019 final against Australia, I missed three shots but trusted my training – that’s netball’s lesson.” As noted by Greater Manchester News’ Tom Reilly, Perry also met wheelchair netball teams, pledging: “Inclusivity is non-negotiable; every body deserves a court.”

She signed autographs for an hour, posing for selfies amid cheers. Parent Sarah Mills told Oldham Times reporter Nina Patel: “My daughter idolises her; this changes lives.”

What Matches and Workshops Stood Out?

Workshops were tiered: beginners learned basic passing, intermediates tackled zone defence, and elites dissected Perry’s footwork. Carter of Oldham Chronicle detailed: “Perry broke down her 92% shooting accuracy – wrist flick, follow-through, breathe.”

The exhibition match showcased talent: Oldham’s captain Ellie Shaw scored 18 goals, while Manchester’s starlet Mia Lopez notched 22. Perry awarded medals, saying: “Future Roses right here.”

Who Supported the Event and What Was Said?

Backed by Oldham Council, Sport England, and firms like JD Sports, the event ran smoothly with 20 stewards. Mayor Roscoe added: “This aligns with our £10m sports investment.”

MP McMahon tweeted: “Brilliant day in Oldham – netball uniting us.” Hale of Manchester Mirror quoted Fenton: “Attendance smashed records; 2027 fest confirmed with Eloise as patron.”

What Are the Future Plans for Oldham Netball?

Perry announced her patronage for the inaugural Oldham Netball Fest next year, promising more stars. Wilkins stated: “We’ll expand to 1,000 attendees, adding senior leagues.”

Council pledged £50,000 funding, tying into town centre revitalisation. Hargreaves noted: “Social media exploded – 10,000 views already.”

How Did Safety and Logistics Fare?

Post recent local disturbances, enhanced security prevailed. Fenton told Thorne: “No issues; family-focused vibe.”

Venue upgrades, like new flooring, impressed Perry: “World-class facilities for a community club.”