Far more than a game: How the Nottingham netball and football festival will help young people develop the confidence and skills for tomorrow’s world

The sound of whistles, cheers and bouncing balls echoed in Nottingham as more than 40 school teams came together for a day of netball, football and friendly competition.

But this was about far more than the final score.

Delivered through E.ON Next’s partnership with Nottingham Forest, the city's netball and football festival held in May brought hundreds of young people together for a celebration of sport, confidence and community – with the ultimate aim of creating opportunities that will continue long after the last goal was scored.

Pupils from primary and secondary schools across Nottingham took to the court and pitch for a day designed to inspire participation, build resilience and encourage young people to believe in what they can achieve.

Alongside competitive matches, students met Nottingham Forest Netball Head Coach Chelsea Pitman, the Forest Netball Super League squad and players from Nottingham Forest Women's team, while taking part in skills challenges and activities throughout the day.

Every school left with new equipment, including footballs, netballs and training bibs, ensuring the impact of the festival extends well beyond a single event.

For E.ON Next, the festival – highlights of which can be seen in our video here – reflects something deeper than a commitment to sport.

It is part of a wider belief that thriving communities are built by investing in people, creating opportunities and removing barriers that can hold individuals back.

As one of Nottingham's largest employers, E.ON has long been part of the fabric of the city.

Through initiatives like this, the company is helping to create opportunities for young people to develop the confidence, teamwork and leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives – whether on a sports field, in education or in future careers.

As Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs at E.ON Next, said: “We have a large base in Nottingham, so it's important to us that we're investing in opportunities that genuinely make a difference for young people in the city. This festival wasn't just about sport – it's about building confidence, teamwork and resilience, and helping children develop skills that will support them far beyond the court or pitch. By working with Nottingham Forest, we're proud to be opening doors, removing barriers and showing that these opportunities are for everyone."

The event also demonstrates how E.ON’s community partnerships are helping to make a practical difference where people live and work.

While E.ON is leading the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy across the UK, the company's purpose extends beyond infrastructure, technology and energy solutions.

Our ambition is to make new energy work for everyone – not only by helping customers lower bills and access cleaner energy – but by supporting stronger local communities, investing in future skills and ensuring nobody is left behind in the transition to a more sustainable future.

That commitment can be seen very clearly in Nottingham, where our relationship with Nottingham Forest has evolved beyond traditional sponsorship into a partnership focused on delivering tangible social impact.

Together, we are creating experiences that are accessible, inclusive and rooted in the local community.

Chelsea Pitman, Head Coach of Nottingham Forest Netball – pictured below – said about the recent netball and football festival: "Sport is at its best when it is accessible and when people have the opportunity to get involved and play. This was a great event, and we are all very grateful for the support of E.ON Next in helping to make it a reality. Connecting with the community is essential within our Nottingham Forest identity. I was thrilled to be there and for us to show our support.”

The festival also reflects E.ON’s wider focus on developing the skills, confidence and aspirations needed for the future.

As the UK transitions towards cleaner energy and greener industries, creating opportunities for the next generation has never been more important.

Whether through apprenticeships, skills programmes, community partnerships or events such as this, E.ON continues to invest in the people who will help shape the future – supporting young people to discover their potential and ensuring the benefits of progress are shared as widely as possible.

Because we believe creating a better future is not only about the energy that powers our homes and businesses – it is also about empowering people to create a better future for everyone.