One of Hucclecote Netball Club’s National Prem 1 players is about to embark on an exciting new chapter, as Lottie Robinson prepares to move to Australia to continue her netball journey.
Lottie will be heading to Sydney, where she has signed to play for South Coast Blaze in the NSW Premier League, one of the strongest domestic competitions in the country. The move is a significant milestone for the club, as Lottie becomes the first Hucclecote player to head to the Southern Hemisphere to play netball, taking the experience and standards developed at HNC onto the international stage.
“Hucclecote has one of the strongest club pathways I’ve ever been part of and I hope this shows younger players what’s possible. Netball opens so many doors – whether that’s playing, coaching, travelling or building friendships.”
So what prompted such a big step? For Lottie, the decision has been building for some time. Deep down she had always wanted to see how far she could push herself in netball, and after four seasons at Hucclecote — alongside franchise netball with Team Bath — she felt ready for a new challenge.
Australia has long been seen as the benchmark in world netball and, for Lottie, the opportunity to test herself in that environment was too good to pass up. Alongside the netball, the move also brings the chance to experience a new country and lifestyle.
The opportunity itself didn’t simply land in her lap either. Lottie took matters into her own hands.
“I took a bit of a shot in the dark and started reaching out to clubs. I had quite a few rejection emails at first, which I expected because it’s so competitive out there. But after several conversations with the South Coast Blaze coaching team and sharing game footage, things started to move forward and eventually I was offered a contract.”
For Lottie, the biggest excitement about the move is the chance to push her game even further.
“The standard out there is incredibly high. Playing with and against athletes who are stronger and more experienced will only help my development. I’m also looking forward to learning new structures, adapting to a different style of play and experiencing a completely new netball environment. Of course I’m also excited to experience a new way of life, meet some amazing people and enjoy the sun!”
Lottie’s Journey at Hucclecote
Lottie joined Hucclecote four seasons ago when she moved to Cheltenham after university and quickly became a key member of the club’s National Prem 1 squad.
During that time she has balanced club netball alongside franchise netball with Team Bath, developing her game in a highly competitive environment.
“Playing in Prem 1 for all four seasons has meant I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside some incredibly experienced athletes and coaches. The standard in the squad is unreal and you learn so much just from being around those players week in, week out.”
Like many players who join Hucclecote, the club quickly became more than just a team.
“I feel really lucky to have been part of that group. I’ve made friends for life through netball here.”
Nerves, Expectations and Looking Ahead
Alongside the excitement of such a big move naturally comes a few nerves. Moving across the world to play in a new competition, with a new team and a completely different environment, is a huge step. But for Lottie, the opportunity to challenge herself is what makes it so worthwhile.
She knows that netball in Australia brings a slightly different style of play compared to England. The game is often played at a higher tempo, with greater physicality and intensity across the court. Australia also places a strong cultural emphasis on netball and women’s sport, with the game deeply embedded in the sporting landscape.
Lottie is particularly looking forward to experiencing that environment and testing herself against players who have grown up in that system. She believes the challenge will ultimately help her grow as a player.
“I’m most excited about being challenged every single week. Playing with and against athletes who are stronger and more experienced will only push my development further.”
Beyond the netball itself, Lottie is also looking forward to the lifestyle and the opportunity to experience something completely new. The move offers a chance to meet new people, experience a different culture and embrace the adventure that comes with stepping outside her comfort zone.
While there may be a few nerves along the way, Lottie believes sport has a unique way of making those transitions easier.
“Wherever you go in the world, you instantly have a team of like-minded people around you,” she said. “Sport creates connection so quickly, and that makes big moves like this feel a little less daunting.”
Ultimately, her goal is simple — to return from the experience as a more complete player.
She hopes that competing in a new environment will help her develop technically, physically and mentally, giving her a broader perspective on the game and new tools to bring back to the court in the future.
A Thank You to the Club
Before heading off on her Australian adventure, Lottie was keen to thank those who have supported her along the way.
“A huge thank you to everyone at the club – especially Sue Wainwright, Sam Cook, Katie Holder, Sarah Lee, Alistair Seyers, Gilly Salter and all my Prem 1 teammates.”
She also reflected on the wider impact the sport has had on her life.
“Netball is such a powerful sport for women. It allows girls to be fierce, strong and competitive while still embracing who they are. It opens doors you don’t even realise are there yet.”
Everyone at Hucclecote Netball Club wishes Lottie the very best of luck in Australia and we’ll be watching closely to see how she gets on. Follow the team on Instagram - @southcoastblaze to see how she gets on next season!