Millie Van Nierop: "I fell in love with netball at my first session" 

The Sport Science student currently plays centre and wing attack for Loughborough Lightning’s Under-21s and England Roses Under-19s - while studying at Nottingham Trent University. 

Having started playing netball at Market Harborough Youth Club as a keen 10-year-old, Millie was initially inspired by her mother Sarah, who represented England. And Millie looks to be heading in the same direction after becoming hooked on the sport following her first session. 

“I went to my first session with all of my friends and absolutely loved it,” said Millie. “We started playing games on a Sunday and I loved it even more - you couldn't get me off the court. Not much has changed since really! 

“I remember my first big tournament was as an Under-12 at a local league, and I was awarded Player of the Season, which gave me a real boost to keep going in the sport. It was really special, and I then went to Under-13 academy

And while netball has been at the forefront of her life for nine years now, Millie has a massive passion for cycling too – and this really helped to keep her fit during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also benefitted from training online and the delivery of workshop sessions during the lockdowns.  

“With only being able to go out once a day in lockdown, it was so nice to get out for a ride,” said Millie. “We're really lucky where we live because you can ride five miles out and you're in the countryside. 

“I love to be kept busy so I love doing both sports, and now being at university studying too. The cycling thing is something I can do with my family which makes us a lot closer, and it's just something a bit different. 

“SportsAid hosted many webinars and workshops throughout lockdown, which allowed us to stay connected with other athletes and the BelievePerform platform that was advertised allowed me to stay focused and speak to mentors if needed. 

“The Lightning squad had weekly zoom calls and training too, and a lot of our Roses camps were also put online. Once we came out of lockdown, our biggest achievement was an NPL Under-19s for Lightning and we were co-champions this year because our finals got cancelled unfortunately due to a positive Covid case.” 

Now four years on from that incredible Commonwealth Games final which saw England snatch the gold from Australia’s grasp with a 52-51 score line, Millie is excited to see how much the sport has grown – and can’t wait for the home Games in Birmingham this year. 

“I remember watching the 2018 final - it was my mum’s birthday and we were up at 4am to watch it! We danced around the living room, and I had a county game that day, and it just gave me such a big boost. A great day - we couldn't believe it. 

“The growth that netball has had is immense - when I first got into netball and I went to watch Superleague games, it was nowhere near as big as it is now. To see that change, from then to now, and to be hosting the Commonwealths this year as well, the growth of the sport is incredible to see. 

“We're definitely in with a chance this year and it's great to see some new faces coming through and developing the youth. With it being on home soil, I think we will be ready to go and have that ferocious side to try and win gold again.” 

Millie is hoping to take the Superleague by storm in the years to come, as well as one day ticking Commonwealth gold off her personal bucket list, and she’s grateful for the backing she’s received from SportsAid on her journey. 

“I would love to be part of the Superleague side,” said Millie. “Having been in the system since Under-13s, to get through the ranks would just be awesome - especially with the Roses side, I'd love to play as a senior and get a senior cap. To play at the Commonwealth Games would just be really good - that's the ultimate goal. 

“Personally, a lot of my training would not have been possible without the support of SportsAid. I would not have been able to progress to the athlete I am now. SportsAid also motivates me to become the best possible athlete I can, with a lot of ambassadors from within my sport, which I find hugely interesting.” 

Commonwealth Games England has appointed SportsAid to lead on the development, management and operational delivery of Team England Futures at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The programme, supported by Sport England, will reinforce the importance of the Commonwealth Games, particularly one hosted on home soil, as a developmental opportunity within the talent and performance pathway!