Jayda Pechova has expressed gratitude towards Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis for supporting her pursuit of success in netball, following the establishment of a netball franchise affiliated with the Premier League football club. Marinakis, a Greek businessman who owns Nottingham Forest, approved the creation of the netball team two years ago as part of an expansion strategy that reflects his broader interest in diverse sports, including those linked to football clubs in Greece.

At 21, Pechova, an England international, has seen her career flourish after transferring from Team Bath. She was recently named the Most Valuable Player for the 2026 netball season. Although not originally a football enthusiast, she appreciates the connections with Nottingham Forest's football community and the professional environment the club fosters.

“The professionalisation of the league meant new teams submitted bids,” Pechova explained. “The owner of Nottingham Forest also owns a football club in Greece where multiple sports are involved, not just football. His vision was to expand into netball.”

Despite some physical separation—Forest’s football teams train at the club’s grounds, which do not accommodate netball courts—the netball squad trains at the university. However, there are joint activities, including player appearances and attending both men’s and women’s football matches. Pechova described receiving recognition from fans while wearing her team kit around Nottingham, noting that supporters often mistake her for a football player before realizing she plays netball. The club’s efforts, she said, have contributed to netball’s growth through increased visibility and resources.

In the 2026 Netball Super League, Nottingham Forest finished fourth but were eliminated by Loughborough Lightning in the semi-finals. For Pechova, who is preparing for her first major international competition, the Commonwealth Games, the experience marks a significant step in her career.

She cited footballers Ola Aina and Morgan Gibbs-White as inspirations, recounting brief personal encounters with both—and acknowledging how joining Forest broadened her perspective on football’s financial scale and professionalism.

Pechova is set to make her international debut in the group-opening match against Northern Ireland at The Hydro, followed by a high-profile game against reigning champions Australia.