Netball, the UK’s most popular women’s sport, is stepping into the spotlight like never before. Despite its widespread grassroots participation, netball has struggled for visibility on mainstream platforms. But 2025 marks a turning point: not only will netball in the UK become fully professional, but London Pulse and Edwin Doran are on a mission to fill the Copper Box Arena on 28 March for the highly anticipated London derby against the Mavericks, marking the sport’s professional launch in 2025.
The #FillTheCopperBox campaign is about more than just packing the arena—it’s about reshaping the future of women’s sports. For too long, sold-out stadiums, prime-time coverage, and headline attention have been the norm for men’s teams. Now, London Pulse is setting out to change the game, and they’re inviting fans to be part of this historic moment.
A Landmark Year for Women’s Sport
2025 is already set to be a defining year for women’s sports in the UK. The Women’s Rugby World Cup final will take over Twickenham, women’s tennis is making a long-overdue return to Queen’s Club after five decades, and the Women’s Super League continues its exponential rise. But netball, a sport played by millions of women and girls, is still fighting for its rightful place in the public eye.
For many young girls, netball is their first introduction to sport—a space where they develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Yet, due to limited professional opportunities and media exposure, too many are forced to leave their passion behind. And this needs to change.
Netball’s Big Moment
Enter #FillTheCopperBox, an initiative designed to showcase netball’s electric energy, its dedicated athletes, and its loyal fanbase. The event will be broadcast by Sky Sports, ensuring that this historic match reaches as many viewers as possible. But beyond the game itself, this campaign is about amplifying netball’s presence and proving there’s an audience ready to support it.
Richard Twynam, Managing Director of Edwin Doran, says “With women’s sports rightly getting the attention they so deserve, we created the #FillTheCopperBox movement to put netball, the UK’s most popular women’s team sport, into the spotlight.
“Over the past 50 years sending school netball teams on international tours, we’ve seen thousands of young girls hone their skills, build resilience and self-confidence, develop social skills, and form life-long friendships during school netball, only to be forced to drop their ambition of continuing the sport at a professional level due to a lack of career prospects. We are determined that as netball turns professional in 2025, we won’t have to see so many young girls travelling on our tours drop their sport after school.
“A long overdue sell-out game will show young girls nationwide that netball is only growing, and a professional career could be on their horizon.”
The Power of Representation
Representation matters. When young girls see netballers achieving success—both on and off the court—they see what’s possible. London Pulse is setting the standard, with athletes who are not just sports stars but also lawyers, scientists, and role models for the next generation. Captain Zara Everitt, for example, balances her legal career with netball, proving that sport and ambition go hand in hand.
“We know that playing sport as a child leads to lifelong skills,” says Claire Williams, Marketing and Sponsorship Lead at London Pulse. “Netball is the UK’s most popular women’s sport, but without the same visibility as football or rugby, many children are choosing other sports instead. The #FillTheCopperBox campaign is about giving netball the audience and recognition it deserves.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
The statistics speak for themselves. According to Sport England, girls are still significantly less active than boys, with participation rates dropping further in recent years. More concerningly, happiness levels among young female athletes have declined. But sports has the power to change that—94% of C-suite women have played sports in the past, proving the direct link between participation and long-term success.
London Pulse is committed to making netball more accessible, offering performance pathways from grassroots to elite levels, as well as inclusive programs such as disability netball and walking netball. By fostering these opportunities, they are not only growing the sport but also ensuring that no girl has to abandon her netball dreams due to lack of visibility or support.
Be Part of the Movement
With ticket discounts available for school groups, #FillTheCopperBox isn’t just about a one-time sell-out; it’s about inspiring the next generation of players and fans. This is a chance to create a lasting impact on women’s sport in the UK—one that proves netball belongs in packed arenas and on prime-time TV.
The message is clear: netball is here to stay. On 28 March 2025, let’s make sure every seat is filled, every cheer is heard, and every young girl watching sees a future in the sport she loves.
Tickets are available now—be part of history.
