Future netball star Shannon Mahlik has paid tribute to the female role models who paved the way for her elite sporting career. The Team England Futures athlete spoke at SportsAid Live, an event held at Alexander Stadium that brought together young athletes, parents, carers, and coaches to share advice and prepare for elite sport.
Early Start in Netball
The 18-year-old, who made her Netball Super League debut for Manchester Thunder last year and represents England Under-19s, revealed her netball journey began at just four years old. She credited her older sister Angel and her mother for introducing her to the sport.
“I was four years old when I got into netball, and it was mainly because of my older sister, Angel, and Mum,” Mahlik said. “It was pretty much as soon as I could walk, she put a ball in my hand, and I was playing with my sister. They’re my two role models.”
She added: “My mum does everything for me, she’s driven up and down the country countless times, constantly paying for fees and clubs and kit – she’s amazing.”
Lessons from SportsAid Live
Mahlik reflected on what she learned from interacting with young athletes from various sports at the event. “My key takeaways are that it is okay to feel pressure in big environments, and to be authentic in teams and environments,” she said. “I have met new people in new sports that I haven’t investigated before, and it’s quite interesting to speak to athletes and know what they have to deal with. It’s supportive.”
She noted that her progression through the academy system has involved being bumped up a year or two each time, with each step serving as a stepping stone toward higher goals.
Looking Ahead to Glasgow 2026
Netball will be a showcase event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, scheduled from 23 July to 2 August. The Team England Futures programme, delivered by SportsAid in partnership with Commonwealth Games England, aims to prepare athletes for multi-sport events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
The King’s Baton Relay made a stop at Alexander Stadium, with Team England’s automotive partner Geely playing a central role in the England leg. Mahlik expressed excitement about watching England compete in Glasgow. “I am so excited to watch England at the Commonwealth Games and experience the atmosphere, the crowds supporting, and the support after the match that I will hopefully experience one day,” she said. “We’re trying to get netball into the Olympics, and I am always pushing towards the biggest stage.”
Commonwealth Games England has appointed SportsAid to lead the Team England Futures programme for Glasgow 2026, building on the success of the initiative at Birmingham 2022. The programme provides athletes, coaches, and support staff with valuable experience of a major multi-sport Games environment.
