Fran Williams is an English Netball player who currently plays for Wasps in the Netball Superleague. We gave her 20 seconds to tell us about the Vitality Netball Nations Cup...

Continue reading to discover Fran's favourite throwback, weekend activity, place to eat, nightlife experience, tune and what she's most looking forward to this year in the West Midlands region!

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T = Throwback 

What are your favourite memories of the West Midlands?

Fran Williams: “In 2018, Wasps won the Superleague at Arena Birmingham, which is where we’re playing our Vitality Netball Nations Cup match against South Africa on 22 January. It was an amazing experience to win it in this city as I study at the University of Birmingham. We went out for a celebration dinner and drinks at Brindleyplace, next to the canals – it’s definitely one of my favourite memories of Birmingham.”

W = Weekend

Which attractions and venues would be on your itinerary for a dream weekend in the West Midlands?

FW: “The Bullring is definitely my favourite shopping centre in the country. I would definitely spend a weekend shopping with friends during my time off. I also love spending time with my uni girls at Cannon Hill Park – we love going for a walk there. There are lots of things to do at the park – you can get the pedalos out on the lake in the spring and summer. We also like to take a picnic there.”

E = Eating 

Where do you like to dine in the West Midlands?

FW: “I love to go to Digbeth Dining Club with my student friends. Around that area, there is loads of great street food. You pay £1 to get in… we love to buy food, share it, sample it, and you get to try lots of different cuisine from different cultures. I would really recommend it.”

N = Nightlife 

Where are your favourite places in the West Midlands that you like to visit on a night out?

FW: “When I am with my Wasps team mates, we like to go out in Leamington Spa. There are some nice bars around the High Street. At the Mailbox in Birmingham, I like to go to Everyman Cinema. You can have a meal and drinks at your seat. It is a really nice experience in the evening there, sitting on comfortable chairs while watching the film.”

T = Tune 

Which songs from the West Midlands’ back catalogue do you like?

FW: “I’m a massive Jorja Smith fan. Lost & Found is my favourite album. I enjoy listening to it while I’m driving to training or when I’m travelling for netball – it’s so chilled out, so it helps me to relax.”

Y = Year 2020 

Which events and milestones in the West Midlands are you looking forward to this year?

FW: “I’m really looking forward to playing at the Season opener at Arena Birmingham on 22 February. All 10 teams in the Superleague are playing their first round all in one day. So, five matches back-to-back, and fans only need to buy one ticket. Teams are playing against those who finished next to them in the league last season, so it promises to be very competitive. My team Wasps are playing Thunder – which is a rematch of last season’s Grand Final. We’re expecting it to be packed out with netball fans at the Arena – I’ve been told that more tickets have already been sold for this than last year’s World Cup Final in Liverpool!”