The coaches and staff of our netball team are the heartbeat of the club, bringing unmatched dedication, passion, and expertise to every training session and match. With a wealth of knowledge and years of experience in the game, they are committed to not only developing the players’ skills but also creating a positive, supportive environment where everyone feels motivated to excel. Their relentless drive to foster a team culture based on respect, hard work, and enjoyment ensures that playing for our team is a rewarding experience, where each player is empowered to reach their full potential both on and off the court.
Lynne Gray
Head Coach, Affiliation Secretary,
Treasurer, Safeguarding Lead
With over 55 years of passion for netball, I have dedicated my life to playing, coaching, and developing the sport at all levels. I trained as a PE teacher at Lady Mabel Specialist PE College, part of Sheffield University, and began my coaching journey straight after college in youth centres.
I have taught on Canvey Island and in Ashford for seven years, fostering a love for sport among young people. My playing career includes competing in Premier leagues across Sheffield, Southend, Ashford, and Maidstone, experiencing the game at some of the highest levels.
My coaching career spans over 25 years at the Stour Centre in Ashford, where I led activities such as gymnastics, trampolining, and various fitness classes until Covid-19 interrupted these programs. Throughout this time, I have been deeply involved in netball, coaching Kent’s satellite and district squads for 34 years, and most recently, with the Kent Academy program until 2023.
In 2000, I founded the Breakaways Junior section and remain an active committee member of the Kent County Junior League. Under my leadership, Breakaways achieved their first ever County league victory, and up until the pandemic, our teams consistently ranked in the top half of their divisions.
Recognition for my dedication includes the London and Southeast Grassroots Coach of the Year Award in 2009. In 2012, I was honoured to be selected to run in the Ashford section of the Olympic Torch relay for my services to youth netball.
I am passionate about inspiring new generations of players and coaches and continue to enjoy every minute of playing and coaching netball.
Emma Williams
Coach, Chairman,
Umpire
With over 35 years of passionate involvement in netball, I have dedicated my life to the sport both on and off the court. Starting from a young age, I have played at various levels, including representing Queens in the Southeast Regional League. Throughout my career, I have successfully run teams in both Ashford and Maidstone Premier Divisions, winning multiple league titles over the years.
My extensive experience has given me a deep understanding of the game and the dedication required to build and sustain successful teams. Despite enduring two knee replacements, I have remained committed to playing at a good standard, drawing on the knowledge and resilience I have gained through years of hard work and perseverance.
Netball is more than just a sport to me, it is a vital part of my family life. My daughter Amy, who currently plays for the RAF team, has shared in my love for the game, and my son Aaron is a regular at matches and training cheering the teams on, adding a lively and supportive spirit to our teams. The sport has provided countless joyful memories and lifelong friendships.
In addition to playing, I have been an umpire for over 30 years, further enriching my understanding of the game. I am also proud to have served as Chairman of Breakaways Netball for the past six years, a role I balance alongside my full-time position as Project Operational Team Leader at Charities Aid Foundation, where we support charities with banking services.
I believe that dedicated individuals are essential to providing opportunities for girls and women to enjoy netball. My goal is to ensure that Breakaways remains accessible and affordable for all, fostering a welcoming environment where everyone can experience the joy and camaraderie that netball offers. I am committed to giving back to the sport that has given me so much and to helping others create their own happy memories through netball.
Rachel Parker-Smith
Vice Chairman, Events Co-Ordinator
Balancing a full-time career as a Senior Income Officer with my role as a proud mother to two daughters and a stepdaughter, I am passionate about bringing energy and dedication to netball both on and off the court. My netball journey began in local leagues across Northampton, Wellingborough, Ashford, Canterbury, and Maidstone, where I competed up to Premier Division level, honing my skills and love for the game.
At age 32, after a fourteen year break, I reignited my passion for netball when I moved to Kent and started teaching High Five netball. Returning to the court through coaching young children and from supporting my daughters to play rekindled my love for the sport and reminded me of its importance in my life. Coming from a true netball family, I enjoy sharing this passion with my daughters and being an active member of the Breakaways family.
Alongside two fellow committee members, I hold a Guinness World Record for participating in the most players in a netball exhibition match, a testament to my dedication and love for the sport. My commitment extends beyond playing; I was honoured with the Kent Netball Award for volunteering services, recognising my contributions while coaching High Five netball at a local primary school.
I am deeply committed to promoting netball, nurturing young talent, and fostering a supportive, inclusive community where players of all ages and abilities can thrive.
Mel Santini
Umpire, Secretary
I am proud to serve as the highest level netball umpire within the Breakaways Netball Club, holding a B-level qualification, currently the only member within our club to achieve this award. My officiating skills have earned me opportunities to umpire in the Maidstone and Ashford Premier Divisions, where I am frequently selected to umpire the season’s final matches in recognition of my consistent and high-quality officiating.
With over 30 years of umpiring experience, I possess extensive knowledge of netball rules and regulations. Staying up to date with the latest updates and standards is a key part of my role, ensuring all club members are informed and compliant with current rules. I am also an active member of the Ashford Netball League Committee, where I oversee membership and provide support to fellow officials.
Beyond officiating, I am passionate about nurturing the next generation of umpires. I actively mentor club members, helping them gain experience and qualifications, as I believe that developing our umpires is vital to the continued growth and success of the sport.
Sarah Potts
Coach, Umpire
I am a dedicated and passionate netball player and coach with over 20 years of experience in the sport. As a proud member of Breakaways Netball Club for two decades, I have enjoyed a diverse playing career, including competing at county league level with the Comets. I also bring over 26 years of expert officiating as a qualified umpire, underscoring my deep commitment to the game.
In addition to my on-court achievements, I hold a Level 1 coaching qualification, through which I strive to inspire and nurture new talent within the sport. My leadership experience extends to serving as a former club chairman, demonstrating my dedication to fostering a strong and vibrant netball community.
Off the court, I am a CQC-registered nursing home manager, exemplifying my professional dedication and compassion in the healthcare sector. I am also proud to hold a Guinness World Record for participating in the largest netball exhibition match, with 1,322 players, a feat achieved in 2016 alongside Emma and Rachel, representing England Netball and Breakaways Netball Club.
Beyond sport and profession, I am a proud parent of three children, sharing my home with two dogs and a cat. My passion for netball and my professional pursuits fuels my ongoing commitment to inspiring others through my experience, leadership, and love for the game.
Deborah Hainsworth
Coach, Umpire
With a passion for netball that spans over 30 years, I began my journey with Breakaways at around 12 years old, competing in the Ashford Adult League. Throughout my playing career, I have proudly represented Ashford, Kent, and Loughborough University during my studies in Business Management. My involvement in the sport extended to playing for Comets for several years before stepping back to focus on family, all while remaining active in the game through National, Regional, and County leagues.
Professionally, I serve as a full-time Specialist Educational Needs Co-ordinator within a large secondary school. My experience includes working in both special and primary school settings, where I have witnessed firsthand the rising mental health challenges faced by young people. I am committed to leveraging my netball experience to support and inspire young girls and women, recognising the profound positive impact sport and team participation can have on personal development and well-being.
Currently, I continue to enjoy playing in the Breakaways senior teams in both the Ashford and Maidstone Premier Divisions. I take pride in supporting the development of younger players, helping them grow within the game. I hold a Level 2 netball coaching qualification and an IO umpiring qualification, underscoring my belief in providing opportunities for young people to engage in netball at all levels.
My goal is to foster a supportive environment where girls and ladies can thrive in netball, experiencing the camaraderie, confidence, and health benefits that come with being part of a team.
Giselle Brattle
Coach
With over 16 years of experience as a UKCC Level 2 Coach, my passion lies in nurturing players’ development and fostering a love for the game of netball. I am dedicated to helping individuals of all ages and skill levels enjoy the sport to the fullest, whether they are just starting out or looking to refine their skills.
Throughout my coaching journey, I have been privileged to play and coach two Premier League squads, as well as teams in the North London League with Haringey Netball Club and in the Kingston & Surrey League with Epsom & Oxshott (later rebranded as Oxshott Netball Club). I am also a proud founding member of Tenterden Netball Club, committed to building a vibrant community of players.
In addition to coaching, I have umpired up to Division 4 in the Kingston & Surrey League, a role I was able to undertake early in my career before formal umpire qualifications were required. This experience has deepened my understanding of the game’s rules and enhanced my coaching approach.
Outside of netball, I am a self-employed bookkeeper with many years of experience managing medical accounts. As a mother of four, I excel at managing numbers and
Hannah Brooks
Social Media Manager
As one of the younger members of the Breakaways Committee, I am passionate about leveraging my skills and knowledge in marketing to enhance the club’s visibility and highlight the numerous opportunities that Breakaways offers to young people. Having played netball for Breakaways from a young age, I continue to enjoy competing at a high level, currently playing in the Premier Divisions for both Ashford and Maidstone.
Netball has been a significant part of my life, bringing me countless happy memories shared with friends and my mum, who has always been one of the club’s biggest cheerleaders. My dedication to the sport extends beyond playing; I hold a degree in Marketing from Portsmouth University, where I also played netball representing the university team. I represented Kent Netball in my youth, playing for the County Squad when I was Under 12.
Balancing my passion for netball with my professional career, I work as a Marketing Manager and continue to play for the Breakaways senior team. I am committed to promoting the sport, supporting the club, and inspiring the next generation of players.
Aliyah Napolitano
Coach
As one of the youngest members of the Breakaways Committee, I am proud to serve as a role model for young girls within the club, inspiring them to pursue their passions and develop their potential. I work as a Senior Specialist Educational Needs Teaching Assistant and as a Personal Assistant to young people with complex needs. These roles allow me to excel in understanding people’s needs and feelings, fostering positive relationships and supporting individuals to thrive.
In addition to my off-court commitments, I continue to pursue my passion for playing netball. I am an active member of the senior Breakaways Teams, competing in both the Ashford and Maidstone Premier Divisions. My netball journey began early, with participation in the talent pathway for Surrey Storm and representing Kent at the county level for Under 14 and Under 17’s. I have played regional netball and was part of the Surrey Storm team for over four years.
Netball has played a significant role in my personal development, helping me to better manage my emotions and build lifelong friendships. Growing up playing alongside my mum and sister, I have developed a deep love for the game. I am dedicated to ensuring that young girls have access to the same opportunities I was fortunate to receive, both in developing their netball skills and in becoming confident, well-rounded individuals with compassion and resilience.
Elena Ferreira
Safeguarding Lead
I am a dedicated PE teacher and the Head of PE at Herne Bay High, with a lifelong passion for netball. My journey in the sport began in primary school and has spanned over decades, reflecting my deep commitment and love for the game.
Throughout my playing career, I have competed at various levels, starting with Ashford Satellite and progressing through Ashford District and County levels, ultimately reaching senior competitions. I was honoured to be named Player of the Year multiple times for my county team, Kent.
My talent and dedication led me to represent England at U17 and U19 levels, and I was selected for the England U19 Long Squad. I was also scouted to play for the British University Team and subsequently earned a place on the England University Team. At the club level, I have competed in the Netball Super League for London Hurricanes and Brunel Hurricanes, showcasing my skills on a national stage.
Since the age of 14, I have been a longstanding member of Comets Netball Club, playing across all age groups and into the senior team. My experience includes competing in the National League, Premier League, and Kent League.
Beyond my personal achievements, I am passionate about inspiring the next generation of players. My daughter shares my love for netball, and I am committed to providing her and all young athletes with the same opportunities and support that have been pivotal throughout my career.
Aaron Bottle
Mascot
As the proudest cheerleader of Breakaways Netball Club, I am often found on the sidelines during matches and training sessions, supporting our players and ensuring everyone is motivated to perform their best. My passion for the game goes beyond the court, I love being an active part of the team community and contributing to the positive, energetic atmosphere that makes Breakaways truly special.
While my main motivation is cheering everyone on, I will admit that my thoughts often drift to the delicious cake treats we enjoy between training and matches! I believe that a little sweetness helps keep our team spirits high.
Breakaways Netball Club wouldn’t be the same without my presence, bringing smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of team spirit to every game and gathering.