HER CV might not include the Premier League and Champions League medals her brothers have, but Tracey Neville has achieved just as much in netball, and now her sights are set on turning the North-East’s leading team into champions.
Sister of footballers Gary and Phil, Neville was appointed head coach of Super- League Team Northumbria last October.
Boasting an impressive new £30m sports facility, a newlook side and sponsorship from hotel chain Eurohostel, Team Northumbria hope to become a real force in the top-flight with the help of Neville ’s experience.
Since the age of 16, her life has revolved around the sport and her impressive CV includes 81 England caps, Commonwealth Games medals and spells coaching at top NSL sides Northern Thunder and Leeds Carnegie.
Sporting success is not short in the Neville family, with Gary and Phil winning trophies at Manchester United, while Tracey, 34, is one of the most-capped England netball players and has represented her country at the Commonwealth Games twice.
Growing up with two promising football stars, it’s no surprise Neville started playing football when she was younger but limited opportunities saw her turn to netball.
Being part of a family full of athletes, Neville believes her background has helped her become one of the most successful netball players and reveals she is proud of her brothers’ achievements, but admits she does not envy being part of the multi-million pound football world.
“It’s been really strange because I’ve seen sport from two major differences but we always had the same passion and drive,” the former Leeds Carnegie head coach said.
“There was never any jealousy.
We do give each other advice even now, and a bit of banter especially when you have a bad day at the office and we’ve all had a few.
“We’re just so passionate for each other and for us to be successful. People always say, ‘do you wish you had been born a boy? Or been a footballer?’ “No, I can say I’ve probably had much more life experience.
Although I’ve not got the support and budget football has, I’ve got major medals at World Championships.
“I did play football at first and a little bit of cricket but then they didn’t have a football programme and they did not mix boys and girls.
“Maybe I would have gone down that route, but to be fair I’m glad I chose the route I went down.”
Northumbria University has pulled off a coup to appoint Neville and despite losing their first match against reigning champions Surrey Storm, the team are looking to improve on their bottom-placed finish last year.
Today sees Team Northumbria play their first competitive match at the new facility on the university’s city campus, which is already home to British Basketball League side Newcastle Eagles.
The visitors are Team Bath, who boast several international stars.
Neville’s arrival is part of a six-year plan to turn the franchise into one of the leading lights in British netball but the former England international insists there is a lot of work to be done.
“I’ve always been a great believer in developing a team and all those people must get on and all sing from the same hymn book and have the same passion for netball,” Neville explained.
“With the quality of players we have and the way we’re developing, in six years time hopefully that is achievable and we’ll look to do that but we’re still at the development stage.
“Our first home game against Team Bath will be very difficult for my players.
They’ve not had the opportunities and they’re playing against seven England internationals.
“I’m not saying we can’t compete but to say we can beat them at this stage is an unrealistic dream. What were looking for is for us to compete.
“Against Surrey Storm, we competed for 22 minutes and we’re looking to climb up that ladder until we can compete for 60 minutes and we become a national entity and attractive to the rest of the country.’’ Team Northumbria v Team Bath, 2pm tip-off. Doors open 1.30pm.
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