Perhaps it’s the fact that I went to an all-girls school, but it’s hard not to know about the Jets. Now formally known as Evelyn Partners Jets, they’re Jersey Netball’s premier squad, recently breaking into the national leagues. Their latest achievement was securing a promotion to Premier League 3 for the first time in six years, marking a major milestone for the club. We caught up with the first team to talk about their sporting lives, delving into on-court pet-peeves and netball myths they’re out to debunk.
Words: Ashleigh Taylor, Photography: Danny Evans
“At Jersey Netball, our ethos is rooted in inclusivity, personal development, and a genuine love for the game. We want players of all ages and abilities to enjoy netball, develop their skills, and experience the friendships and teamwork that make the sport so special. Beyond competition, we’re passionate about building confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community, both on and off the court.
Jersey Netball has been part of the Island’s sporting life since 1944 and we recently celebrated our 80th anniversary. Over the decades, the sport has grown steadily, with over 1,000 women and girls taking part in netball either through our winter league or pathways. Jets was first formed in 2005 and since then we’ve gone from strength to strength. Jersey has an incredible pool of homegrown talent, and we’re proud to offer a clear pathway for players aiming to reach the highest levels of the sport.
Evelyn Partners Jets 1 recently took part in the national play-offs in Worcester, where they produced a string of brilliant performances and came out on top against strong opposition. That success secured their promotion to Premier League 3 for the first time in six years, a huge milestone for the club. Looking ahead, our focus is on supporting the Jets as they take on this exciting new challenge; performing strongly in Premier League 3 and showcasing what Jersey netball can achieve on a national stage.
Netball is much more than just a sport, it’s a way of bringing people together. It connects players of all ages, promotes health and wellbeing, and teaches values such as teamwork, discipline and respect. Whether you’re on the court, coaching, or volunteering, netball helps strengthen friendships and community ties and produces positive role models for young people across the Island.
Netball really is for everyone, and there are so many ways to get involved. For those who want to play, we have a wide range of clubs that train during the summer and then compete in our adult winter league, with many also having under-18 teams. We also run a popular corporate mixed league in the summer (and recently launched our new winter mixed league), which is a great way for businesses to give their staff something fun and active to take part in.
For children, there are plenty of entry points into the sport; from holiday camps and after-school sessions to our Jets Academy, which provides a clear development pathway. At the other end of the spectrum, our much-loved Walking Netball is a brilliant, accessible option. It’s social as well as active, with weekly games followed by tea and cake; a real highlight for many of our members.
Of course, netball isn’t just about playing. We’re fortunate to have an incredible network of umpires, coaches and volunteers, but we’re always keen to welcome more. Whether you’re interested in getting on the court, giving back through coaching, or supporting the game behind the scenes, there’s a place for you. Anyone interested in joining should visit our new website: netball.je.”
From left to right, top row, bottom row:
JET NO. 18 – Rosie Tonner
Age: 30
Position: WA/GA/GS
Years playing netball: 20
Favourite part about the sport: Being part of a team all trying to achieve the same goal and the lifelong friendships you make.
Netball/fitness myth you want to debunk? Many people don’t realise how physical netball is because it’s classed as a non-contact sport, but it is a fast paced, physical game and definitely worth a watch!
Favourite piece of activewear: I love getting a different pair of netball trainers each season
JET NO. 44 – Jodie Blampied
Age: 27
Position: WD
Years playing netball: Since I was about 4.
Favourite part about the sport: Being in a team environment.
Biggest in-game pet peeve: Black socks and white trainers.
Netball/fitness myth you want to debunk? ‘Netball isn’t a physical sport’.
Favourite piece of activewear: Adanola leggings
JET NO. 26 – Emily May Green
Age: 34
Position: Coach / GS
Years playing netball: 27
Favourite part about the sport: The bonds you form with a group working hard towards a common goal.
Biggest in-game pet peeve: Breaking the line on Centre pass.
Netball/fitness myth you want to debunk? Physical appearance does not determine fitness or ability – athletes come in all shapes and sizes (you don’t have to look like a fitness model to be on the top of your game).
Favourite piece of activewear: Shock absorber high impact sports bra
JET NO. 24 – Rebecca Forrest
Age: 26
Position: GK/GD
Years playing netball: 16
Favourite part about the sport: Big moments that you work hard for – like getting promoted to Premier League 3.
Biggest in-game pet peeve: When a shooter causes contact and the defender gets the blame.
Netball/fitness myth you want to debunk?: “Netball is just for girls”.
Favourite piece of activewear: Hoka Clifton 10 Trainers
JET NO. 58 – Samantha Salzone
Age: 32
Position: GK/GD
Years playing netball: 28
Favourite part about the sport: The friendships and bonds formed with teammates that extends far beyond the court. Also, winning.
Biggest in-game pet peeve: When someone tucks their dress into their shorts.
Netball/fitness myth you want to debunk? Good shooting wins games… we all know it’s good defence!
Favourite piece of activewear: Can’t go past a good bike short.
JET NO. 60 – Lara Spary
Age: 17
Position: GA/GS/WA
Years Playing Netball: 10 years
Favourite part about the sport: The team spirit and support from team mates.
Biggest in game pet-peeve: When the opposition keep trying to push you offside to get it called.
Netball myth to debunk: That netball is only a woman’s sport.
Favourite piece of active wear: Trainers
JET NO. 62 – Florence Allo
Age: 15
Position: GD, GK
Years playing netball: 10 years, since year 1.
Favourite part about the sport: Getting to play as part of a team.
Biggest in-game pet peeve: Tucking netball dresses into both sides of your shorts.
Favourite piece of activewear: Red netball dress
JET NO. 38 – Antonia Chaytor
Age: 29
Position: C
Years playing netball: 19 years
Favourite part about the sport: Pushing myself in every session with likeminded girls, who have become some of my best friends!
Biggest in-game pet peeve: When players argue with the umpires – it’s never going to get you anywhere.
Netball/fitness myth you want to debunk? That you need expensive equipment or a gym to get fit.
Favourite piece of activewear: The mighty Team Jets beanie!
JET NO. 35 – Molly Carré
Age: 23
Position: GD
Years playing netball: 14 years
Favourite part about the sport: The strong sense of team and all the giggles.
Biggest in-game pet peeve: An opposing team shouting when our team is taking a shot.
Netball/fitness myth you want to debunk: That netball is a no contact sport.
Favourite piece of activewear: My Team Jets socks
JET NO. 56– Layla dos Santos
Age: 18
Position: GD, WD
Years playing netball: 10 years
Favorite part about the sport: Being with my friends.
Biggest in-game pet peeve: Biassed umpires.
Favorite piece of activewear: Shorts when playing netball, or a bow in my hair during a match.
