05/09/202504/09/2025

A few months may have passed since Loughborough Lightning NXT Gen etched their name into history, but the echoes of their inaugural title will still resound.

The NXT Gen League, an U23 competition launched by England Netball and Super League 2.0, replaced the Under-21 NPL League to give young players more opportunities to develop in a competitive, high-quality environment.

For Lightning, it’s a pathway to the Super League squad — one this young team validated by winning the inaugural title by just two points.

A Young Squad Rising

Lightning’s NXT Gen side, largely composed of emerging talent, displayed their skill and resilience.

They secured 11 wins from 16 matches and scored an impressive 918 goals, overcoming early challenges when key players Niamh McCall and Hannah Diamond were sidelined with season-ending injuries.

The squad’s round 13 victory over Leeds Rhinos proved pivotal, showing that even a young team can deliver under pressure.

For many players, the league isn’t just about winning – it’s also an opportunity to grow, develop and gain valuable experience in a competitive, professional environment.

Empowered by Kit and Culture

Throughout the season, the team was supported by Kukri Sports, who supplied the high-performance dresses and training wear to help the squad perform at their best.

Captain Millie van Nierop reflected: “The kit from Kukri certainly played a huge role in us being able to be crowned champions.

“The kit we’ve been supplied across the season has been super comfy and allowed us to be ready to compete. I think it sets a culture piece for us to ensure that we all look like a team and united together.

“We feel part of a bigger picture with the vast Kukri kit can provide and across a range of sports, we feel part of the bigger Kukri family.”

Leadership and Growth

Van Nierop, who plays centre and wing defence, highlighted the team’s development throughout the season.

“My personal season highlight was probably beating London Pulse the second time we played them.

“There was so much growth in the team on and off the court, that it felt extra rewarding to complete our goal of being better every time we played the team the second time around.”

She also emphasised that the achievement was collective. “Every single person who trained with us played a part in our win.

“We set really clear goals at the start of the season in terms of culture and we frequently revisited these throughout the season.”

Belief, Legacy and the Pathway

Van Nierop also praised the trust and support that helped the young squad thrive.

“Without our coaches and my teammates I would never be in the position I am today.

“The trust and belief they put into me this year leading this squad on court was awesome.”

While the title is a historic achievement, for Lightning it is also a demonstration of the pathway in action. Young players stepped up, learned from one another and prepared for higher-level netball.

The NXT Gen League provides this experience, ensuring the next generation of players is ready for the step up to the prestigious Super League.

More than Silverware

For Loughborough Lightning NXT Gen, the inaugural title is about more than trophies. It represents culture, resilience, and a future built on youth development — a pathway that will continue to shape the club and inspire young athletes for years to come.

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