Liv Tchine’s Inspiring Journey: From Lewisham to Glasgow and Beyond

Liv Tchine is acutely aware that her presence on the court at Glasgow 2026 transcends her individual aspirations. As a member of England’s 12-strong netball squad, Tchine is poised to make her debut at the Commonwealth Games this summer in Scotland. This moment marks a significant milestone in her journey, one that began years ago at James Dixon Primary School and Sabina Netball Club. Tchine is among the few athletes from south London to reach the pinnacle of her sport, and she is determined to inspire others to pursue their dreams.

Inspiring the Next Generation

“I can’t think of many individuals from South London who have followed this pathway, so it feels quite special,” Tchine remarked. “I hope that both girls and boys, women and men, can see this and understand that their dreams are within reach. Regardless of the sport you choose or your background, you can still achieve your aspirations.”

Reflecting on her own journey, Tchine noted, “Growing up, I mainly saw players like Pam Cookey and Kadeen Corbin in England’s shooting positions for an extended period. While it wasn’t impossible to envision myself there, it certainly felt more challenging.” She recounted how Pam Cookey, as a fellow Londoner, provided a sense of representation that resonated deeply with her. “Seeing someone who looks like you and comes from a similar area means a great deal,” she added. “It genuinely warms my heart to hear young girls, women, and parents express this sentiment.”

Tchine views her role as more than just representing her country; it embodies her identity and the legacy of those who came before her. “I take immense pride in playing for England, being from South London, and being a Black African woman,” she stated.

The Role of National Lottery Funding

The National Lottery has contributed over £9 billion to sports across the UK, supporting everything from grassroots initiatives to elite competitions through approximately 143,155 grants. This funding plays a crucial role in preparing home nation teams—Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland—for the Commonwealth Games. It facilitates training camps, provides essential equipment, and delivers vital performance services.

Tchine, who is of Ivorian heritage and speaks French as her first language, is one of the younger players at 25 but brings a wealth of international experience to the squad as one of the two vice-captains. She gained significant experience at the 2023 World Cup, where England finished as runners-up to Australia after previously defeating them in the pool stage. With this experience under her belt, Tchine is eager to embrace her first Commonwealth Games.

Setting Ambitious Goals

“It’s my first Commonwealth Games, and I’m excited to see what everyone is about while playing to the best of my ability,” she explained. “Our goals remain the same as they were prior to the World Cup—we want to stand on that podium. Ideally, we aim for gold, but we would be grateful for any medal.”

Tchine expressed confidence in her team’s capabilities, reiterating, “We know we can defeat the teams ahead of us because we have done it before, and we can do so again.” Drawing from her World Cup experience, she feels better equipped to understand opposing players and their defensive tactics.

Embracing Leadership with Confidence

As a vice-captain, Tchine embraces her responsibilities without feeling additional pressure. “The vice-captaincy has been quite manageable,” she shared. “I’m naturally laid back and speak up when necessary. I’ve always supported my teammates, prioritising the team and the well-being of each member.”

Thanks to National Lottery players, more than £33 million is raised weekly for various good causes, ensuring support for sport, arts, heritage, community projects, and athletes competing in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games across the UK.