Netball star Liv Tchine set for Commonwealth Games debut
Liv Tchine knows she will be representing far more than just herself when she takes to the court at Glasgow 2026. The 25-year-old shooter is part of England’s 12-strong netball squad bidding for Commonwealth Games glory this summer, making her multi-sport Games debut in Scotland.
Tchine’s journey began at James Dixon Primary School and Sabina Netball Club in south London. Now, as one of few south Londoners to reach the sport’s biggest stage, she wants to act as an inspiration for others.
Inspiring the next generation
“I can't really think of many people from South London who have gone through this pathway, so it's special,” Tchine said. “I just hope that girls and boys, women and men, can see this and realise that these dreams aren't impossible. No matter what sport you play or what avenue you choose, you can still live your dream no matter where you're from.”
Growing up, Tchine saw players like Pam Cookey and Kadeen Corbin in England shooting positions. “It wasn't impossible, but it felt harder to imagine yourself there,” she recalled. “I remember watching Pam and she was one of the only shooters I could identify with. She was from London and that representation meant a lot because it showed me that I belonged.”
Pride in heritage and representation
Now in her position, Tchine hears from young girls, women and parents who say seeing someone like her matters. “It genuinely warms my heart,” she said. “It reminds me that it's bigger than just playing for your country. It's about who you are, where you come from and the people who came before you. I take a huge amount of pride in playing for England, being from South London and being a Black African woman.”
Tchine, who is of Ivorian heritage and speaks French as a first language, is one of two vice-captains for the upcoming Games.
National Lottery support
The National Lottery has invested more than £9 billion into sport across the UK from grassroots to elite level, via 143,155 grants. National Lottery funding is the single largest source of investment underpinning the preparations of home nation teams for Glasgow 2026, enabling training camps, essential equipment and performance services.
Experience and goals
Tchine came of age as an international shooter at the 2023 World Cup, where England finished as runners-up to Australia despite beating them in the pool stage. “It's my first Commonwealth Games. I want to see what everyone is about, and then just come and do my thing and play the way I know I can,” she said.
“The goals are still the same as they were before the World Cup. We want to be on that podium. Preferably with a gold medal, but any medal would be something we'd be grateful for. We know we can beat the teams in front of us because we've done it before and we can do it again.”
Vice-captaincy role
On her vice-captaincy, Tchine said: “It's been pretty chilled. I'm naturally quite laid back. I tend to speak when I need to speak. I've always had the girls' backs. The team comes first and the girls come first. I'm always advocating for people and making sure I'm there for them, not just as athletes but also as human beings.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £33 million is raised every week for good causes, supporting sport, arts, heritage and community projects across the UK.
