A University of Worcester graduate has landed her dream job with England Netball.

Dani Kennedy, 26, from Malvern, has secured a position as a marketing executive at the national governing body of the sport.

This organisation oversees netball in England, from grassroots to the national team.

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Miss Kennedy said: "I’m so excited to be doing what I want to be doing as a dream job, working with professional athletes in a professional environment."

Her role involves leading various marketing campaigns, including social media, and taking on multiple responsibilities on match days.

As England Netball also manages the national side, Miss Kennedy will assist in covering international games too.

She added: "I never really expected to have my dream job so young, but it’s a huge dream of mine to work for my favourite sport, for my country."

Miss Kennedy completed a sports coaching and PE HND (now foundation degree) in 2019, followed by a degree in sports studies in 2021.

She then took a PG Cert in coaching and tutoring.

For the past five seasons, she has managed the social media for the former Severn Stars netball franchise, which concluded its final season in June.

Ms Kennedy said: "Just as one door closes another one opens.

"I’m gutted about Stars, but that has given me so much experience to go for this role and get it."

"Without Stars, I don’t think I would necessarily have got into social media."

She added: “Obviously being a huge netball fan, I’m always watching it, always following it on social media, so it’s being that person to help drive the sport forward into the new professional era by marketing it and getting to continue working with athletes showcasing them and building the sport.”

Miss Kennedy has played the sport since a young age, reaching club level in Coventry, where she grew up, and for the university's BUCS (British University and Colleges Sport) team.

She credits work-based placements during her studies, including with Severn Stars, as well as mock interviews and presentations, for preparing her for the job.