Saffie Clark | My Journey with Team Warwick Mixed Netball
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Can you tell us about your journey into your sport and what inspired you to get involved with Team Warwick?
I’ve grown up in a netball family, so the sport has always been part of my life. I started out at the local club, which was founded by my mum, a coach, and her netball friends. I have carried that passion through school and into regional level competition. Having my sisters involved in the Netball Super League (NSL) pathways has inspired me to set high standards for myself and constantly push my performance.
When I came to Warwick, I knew I wanted to continue playing as much netball as possible, so I joined both the Women’s and Mixed Netball clubs. Mixed Netball appealed, not only for its welcoming atmosphere, but also the challenge of adapting to the different dynamic of playing alongside men. I am a part of the Mixed Netball executive committee, striving to keep improving and contributing to a competitive yet supportive environment within Team Warwick.
What does your typical week look like as part of Team Warwick?
A typical week is a balance between my degree and my netball commitments. I usually have a couple of hours of lectures/seminars each day, and alongside that I play netball at least six times a week. This includes mixed netball social training, mixed intramural netball league as well as mixed netball performance training sessions. I help organise and deliver these sessions in my role as performance vice-captain, working closely with the captain. It makes for a busy but rewarding schedule.
How do you balance your academic commitments with training and competitions?
Balancing academic commitments with training and competitions can be challenging, but I manage it through prioritisation and careful planning. I make sure to have a clear weekly schedule, where I block out my time for classes and studying along with training and matches. Staying organised has allowed me to commit fully to both my studies and netball.
What kind of support have you received through Team Warwick and what difference has it made to your experience?
Team Warwick has given me a lot of support, which has had a big impact on my netball journey. Structured training sessions and high-level coaching, including coaching from an ex-NSL player, have helped me improve my skills and perform at high-level competitions, such as the EMMNA National Championships with Mixed Netball (England Men’s & Mixed Netball Association) and Women’s Netball at BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport). Both competitions have been invaluable experiences.
The supportive team environment has helped me grow not just as a player, captain, and coach, but also as a person, building my confidence, resilience, and leadership both on and off the court.
What has been the biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges in my sporting journey was coaching netball in Chile during the 3rd year of my degree, my year abroad. I had to teach in Spanish, often with little equipment, court markings, or bibs as netball is only just starting to develop as a sport in South America.
It was daunting at first, especially with the language barrier, but the confidence and experience I gained at Warwick, both as a player and a coach, really helped me adapt, communicate effectively, and make the sessions engaging, despite the limitations. I am very proud to have been a small part of netball’s development in South America.
How has Team Warwick helped you develop professionally and what opportunities has it given you?
Being part of Team Warwick has given me a range of incredible opportunities to develop professionally. As performance vice-captain of Mixed Netball, I help organise and deliver performance sessions, as well as captain and coach matches while also playing myself. This role has been instrumental in developing my coaching, leadership, and organisational skills.
I have also had the chance to compete at England Men’s & Mixed Netball Association (EMMNA) Nationals twice, once as a player and once as a coach. Mixed Netball has been growing rapidly year on year and Team Warwick has been there since the start and remains the only university team that enters the EMMNA League and Nationals.
What role have your teammates, coaches, or support staff played in your journey?
My teammates, who have become close friends, have been supportive in my netball journey. They have created a welcoming and motivating atmosphere, on and off the court, that allows me to thrive both as an individual and as a player.
The coaches I’ve worked with, including fellow students and professional external coaches, have been an incredible source of guidance and inspiration, giving me the confidence and knowledge to step into a player-coach role myself.
Warwick Sport has also been a great support, assisting with facility allocations and extra training bookings, which has helped the team progress and perform consistently at a high level.
How has your sporting experience shaped your wellbeing and sense of belonging at the University of Warwick?
Being part of Team Warwick’s netball clubs has had a positive impact on my wellbeing. Mixed Netball feels like a second family. They are welcoming, motivating and supportive - we work together, push each other, and have built strong friendships.
Having a social and physical outlet away from my studies has been beneficial for my mental, physical, and emotional health.
What are your current sporting goals and how are you being supported in reaching them?
One of my main sporting goals is to continue my netball coaching in South America, developing the sport further through coaching and management. My university experience, both academically and as a player and coach in Mixed Netball, along with my Level 2 Netball coaching qualification, has given me the confidence to work with the charity United Through Sport and complete an internship supporting coaching programmes in underprivileged areas of Buenos Aires in 2026.
I’m also training as an umpire through the Introduction to Officiating course, with practical experience from training sessions and league matches at Warwick helping me develop further.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining a club, performance team, or applying for a scholarship at Warwick?
My advice would be to get stuck in and try as much as you can! Team Warwick offers an amazing variety of sports, so it’s a great chance to try something new or develop a sport you already love.
There are plenty of opportunities to gain vocational qualifications and practical skills associated to the sport, which can help with future employment. Joining a sports club or performance team can feel daunting at first, but for me, it’s been at the heart of my university experience, giving me friendships, lasting memories, and helping me grow as a netballer.
Did Team Warwick influence your decision to study at the University of Warwick? If so, how?
Team Warwick greatly influenced my decision to study at the University of Warwick. I was drawn to the great facilities as well as the variety of sports clubs, with the opportunity to play both Mixed and Women’s Netball. Knowing I could continue to play netball in a supportive and competitive environment was a big factor in choosing Warwick.
Charlie Nova Content Contributor, Warwick Sport
Charlie is passionate about fitness, health, and wellbeing. He enjoys climbing, lifting, running, football, and is always eager to try new sports.
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