Developing every individual: Megan Ascough on Netball at Sedbergh
As Head of Netball, Megan Ascough sees her role as far broader than simply overseeing fixtures and training sessions. At the heart of the programme is a commitment to individual development — whether a pupil is playing for enjoyment or striving for performance pathways.
“My role is to ensure we develop every individual who takes part in netball here at Sedbergh, no matter what ability or level. It is my job to make sure the programme challenges but also unlocks confidence within each individual to allow them to grow and succeed in their own personal way, whether for performance, for enjoyment or for both. I want our players to feel valued and have an environment that takes them out of their comfort zone and gives them freedom to thrive and achieve what they maybe didn’t think was possible.
We have very ambitious players here, some who are already on the performance pathway and some striving for this next step. Whilst I want to ensure enjoyment and development across all groups, I want those individuals to be pushed and continue their journey to getting to that next level, and my role is to make sure they are given opportunities to do so within our programme.”
Commitment, Respect and Belonging
Underpinning the programme are clear values that shape both the coaching culture and the player experience.
“Commitment and respect are something I instil in both players and coaches here at Sedbergh. As coaches, being committed to delivering a programme that allows for development and growth creates a respectful and positive environment for our players and individuals to thrive.
At the heart of the programme is inclusivity and belonging, creating a place where everyone feels valued and given opportunities from our juniors right through to our seniors. It is also about showing them that it will not always be straightforward, but we are a team and in those moments we must rely on each other. That is why teamwork is fundamental to the programme being successful, both as players and as our coaching team.”
Success Beyond the Scoreboard
For Megan, competitive ambition and long-term development are deeply connected priorities.
“Often we see success as winning matches and results, but part of my job is to ensure players see success as not solely defined by winning, but also by witnessing their individual growth, development and resilience to overcome challenges.
We have players at the performance end with ambitions and a desire to win, which I encourage, but it is my job to ensure this success comes through learning and developing both as individuals and as a team. Turning ambitions into success is a process that will have unsuccessful elements along the way, and this is something I want players not to fear but to challenge themselves to overcome.
Each player has their own netball journey and the netball programme here at Sedbergh should shape part of that journey, enabling them to achieve whatever goals they set for themselves, no matter how big or small.”
Clear pathways, goal-setting and visible role models play a significant role in maintaining motivation.
“Setting goals and targets is a big part of the netball programme here, helping players strive for what’s next and continue to develop. Identifying what comes next helps to instil motivation to continue to work hard and strive for more.
Getting players to understand their journey is key and how, along the way, there may be setbacks. Using these as opportunities to show how they can be resilient and overcome challenges develops their inner confidence and growth. Having role models creates an environment where players feel they can achieve anything they put their mind to and shows them what is possible.”
A Netball Family
Looking ahead, Megan describes the programme as something dynamic and evolving.
“I like to refer to us as being a Netball Family, as it is one that continues to grow and evolve. The talent we have continues to grow year on year and creates a buzz and enjoyment to be part of the programme.
It is not just about winning games and having success in results; for me, it is about making sure every individual who is part of our netball programme feels valued, included and given the opportunity to push the boundaries of their talent and see just what they are capable of.
When players leave, I want them to take the memories, the friendships and the netball spirit we created, but also the feeling that they were part of something that will stay with them throughout their lives. That impact is why I do what I do and continue to share my passion and love for the game.”
The Influence of Ella Bowen
The recent addition of Old Sedberghian and former Leeds Rhinos Super League player Ella Bowen has added further depth to the programme.
“To play at the top level you must be driven and hardworking, and I think Ella brings that mindset that whatever you put into your sessions or matches is what you will then get out as a result. Playing at the standard Ella did, you have to have a competitive edge but also the motivation to continue to develop your game across all areas.”
Beyond technical insight, Megan believes Ella’s personal journey will resonate strongly with pupils.
“Ella has overcome a lot in her career, particularly her injuries, and this is something I feel she can help our students with in terms of mental resilience, as well as improving their game physically. Ella demonstrates some of our values, such as discipline and teamwork, and both of these are crucial in helping shape players both on and off the court.”
Working across all age groups, Ella’s role supports both performance and participation.
“Ella will work across all age groups and teams, being able to work with those striving for performance netball but also those who play because they love netball and want to improve. As a defender herself, Ella is keen to work on the finer details that can elevate our defenders’ game, especially within our senior and performance teams.
She also brings her own ideas, adding new drills and different ways of developing skills, which will benefit players as they move up through the age groups.”
For Megan, having a former pupil return as a coach carries particular significance.
“It is crucial to have role models like Ella for our players to look up to and strive to achieve the best they can, no matter what level that might be. As an Old Sedberghian, it shows our players that Ella herself was once in their position here at school and what is possible with the right focus and drive.”
Looking forward, she sees Ella’s presence as strengthening both culture and ambition.
“Ella has fitted seamlessly into our netball family because she shares the same values and qualities that I expect from our players. There is a wealth of knowledge between us that we want to share within the programme.
We are both competitive and have the mindset to want to do well, but we also know that without enjoyment and love for netball, success and development are not possible. Making sure the girls have the best experience possible here at Sedbergh is the most important thing, so they leave with memories and a lasting impact they will carry with them throughout their lives.”
