2024/25 Netball Scotland Community Award winners features a star studded list of local heroes
17th September 2025
The Netball Scotland Community Awards proudly celebrate the achievements, dedication, and passion that drive our sport forward across the country. From grassroots clubs fostering participation and belonging to the coaches, umpires, volunteers, and young leaders who give so much of themselves—these awards recognise the outstanding contributions that make netball in Scotland thrive. Each winner exemplifies the values of excellence, inclusivity, and community, leaving a legacy both on and off the court. Our descriptions below come courtesy of the nominators and in many cases, multiple nominations were received for the same candidates.
School Achiever of the Year – Eilish Robertson
Eilish Robertson, a dedicated S5 pupil at Queensferry High School, has made an extraordinary impact on her school and cluster netball community. A valued team member since the club’s inception, she has this year taken on exceptional leadership roles, including founding, and leading a new Cluster Netball Club for P4–P7 pupils across five primary schools. Her efforts culminated in a hugely successful Netball Festival for over 30 young players, where she ensured every child felt celebrated.
Eilish has also been assistant coach for the S1 Scottish Cup team, guiding them to win the Scottish Plate; Queensferry’s greatest netball success to date – while adding personal touches that reflected her care and creativity. Known for her positivity, encouragement, and ability to inspire players of all abilities, Eilish has built confidence in beginners, challenged experienced players to achieve more, and motivated others to try coaching and umpiring. She has left a lasting legacy as a role model, leader, and driving force for netball at Queensferry, ensuring the club will continue to thrive for years to come.
The ‘Eilish Herron’ Young Coach of the Year – Amelia Hargreaves
At just 16, Amelia has shown remarkable maturity and professionalism in her coaching journey with Accies Junior Club. After assisting last season under the guidance of Head Junior Coach Hannah Gaunt, she stepped into a lead role, coaching both the U12 and U14B teams. Having completed her Introduction to Coaching certificate with Netball Scotland, she has applied her learning diligently, instilling strong fundamentals in beginners while fostering a performance mindset and enthusiasm for the sport.
Amelia communicates clearly with parents and players, commands respect on court, and quickly identifies and addresses skills gaps to develop well-rounded athletes for the club pathway. Her patience, encouragement, and sense of fun make her a fantastic role model—even to senior coaches. As she moves on to St Andrews University, where she plans to continue coaching, Amelia leaves a lasting impact at Accies and is set for a bright future in netball coaching.
Club Coach of the Year – Lisa Mackay
Lisa’s impact on Thurso Netball has been transformative. Since joining two years ago—while balancing a full-time job and caring for a young child—she has dedicated every Tuesday evening to coaching both the junior and senior squads, and regularly commits her weekends to playing for the league team, often travelling all day for matches. Her positive teaching methods and wealth of netball knowledge have raised training standards to a level the club has not seen in years, with clear improvements in both the league squad and weekly players.
Lisa has introduced new opportunities such as summer leagues, helped develop young leaders and coaches by giving them the skills and confidence to support her, and continually puts the club first in everything she does. Even throughout her pregnancy, Lisa has not missed a single session, always coaching and umpiring when she couldn’t actively participate. As she prepares for the arrival of her second child, she has already made plans for a swift return, underlining her commitment. Her arrival has been vital to the club’s growth and progress, and the whole team feels truly blessed to have her.
Umpire of the Year – Gillian Leslie
Gillian is a highly respected umpire, ranked number one in Scotland and appointed to both World Netball and England Netball fixtures. She is a WN ITID umpire, a VNSL and NxtGen umpire, and has been selected for the WNYC in Gibraltar 2025. Alongside officiating in the GNA and National League, she is an active member of UPP, where she inspires others through her leadership, mentoring and role as an NS Assessor.
Gillian’s dedication, positive attitude and international achievements have raised standards across domestic and international competitions, creating a strong, supportive environment for umpiring in Scotland. Gillian deserves this award for her exceptional commitment to umpiring. She has truly ‘raised the bar’ in Scotland and is an exemplary ambassador for Netball Scotland through her WN and EN appointments. She is the obvious choice for this award and is wholeheartedly commended.
Volunteer of the Year – Rebecca Gilmour
Rebecca is an outstanding volunteer whose passion, dedication, and selflessness have made a lasting impact on her netball community. Over the past year she has gone above and beyond—managing teams, organising training sessions, fixtures and trips, and supporting players of all ages with enthusiasm and care. A former player herself, Rebecca has channelled her love of netball into coaching, mentoring, and managing, helping younger athletes build confidence, resilience, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Always the first to arrive and the last to leave, she is reliable, organised, and consistently positive, creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. Her encouragement has inspired younger players to stay in sport, while her leadership and role-modelling have made her a trusted figure for teammates, coaches, and parents alike. Rebecca’s ability to foster team spirit, promote wellbeing, and keep players motivated reflects not only her knowledge of the game but also her genuine care for others.
From managing the U17s to running events and fundraisers, Rebecca gives 100% in everything she does, sacrificing her own time to ensure netball continues to thrive. Rebecca embodies the very best of volunteering—bringing people together, strengthening her community, and leaving a legacy that will benefit the sport for years to come. To emphasise the impact Rebecca has achieved, she was nominated for this award by more than 20 different people!!
Match Bench Official of the Year – Jackie Gregory
Known throughout the netball community as someone who can always be relied upon, Jackie is a true role model for players, coaches, officials, and her peers among bench officials. Her dedication, professionalism, and positive influence extend across all levels of the sport.
Despite leading a busy family life, she consistently finds time to support her club, the Glasgow Netball Association, Netball Scotland National League & Finals days while also officiating at international levels including the Commonwealth Games and Netball World Cups. Jackie also supports the education of fellow bench officials here in Scotland and within the Europe Netball region.
RecNet/Walking Club of the Year – Kinross Netball
Kinross RecNet are at the heart of recreational netball in Perth and Kinross, known for their warmth, inclusivity, and community spirit. Throughout the summer they host and welcome visiting RecNet clubs, creating a friendly atmosphere where competition and camaraderie go hand in hand—often going the extra mile with their trademark hospitality and home baking.
Their annual Charity RecNet Festival is a major highlight, raising significant funds for local mental health initiatives while uniting the community through sport, fun and generosity. The club welcomes players of all ages and abilities, proving netball can be more than just a sport, and their strong social media presence keeps members and the wider community engaged and inspired. Central to their success is coach Elaine Stapelton, whose enthusiasm and dedication ensure sessions are inclusive, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Kinross RecNet embody the very best of recreational sport, combining excellence, wellbeing and social impact.
Junior Club of the Year – Elements Netball Club
Elements Netball, founded in 2021/22, has quickly grown to more than 60 players aged 7–17 across Lanarkshire, offering squads at U11, U13, U15 and U17. The club provides a consistent, positive space where young people can stay active, build confidence and feel part of a supportive community. Weekly sessions bring routine, structure and fun, helping players manage school transitions and reducing isolation or anxiety. Coaches focus on wellbeing as much as skills, encouraging peer leadership and fostering a culture of encouragement.
Fourteen young players have gained their Intro to Coaching Award, mentoring younger squads and contributing to the club’s strong sense of ownership. Running year-round, including holidays, Elements Netball makes a lasting impact on players and their families, with parents regularly highlighting the boost to their children’s confidence and sense of belonging. With Thistle Mark accreditation and a dedicated team of coaches and volunteers, the club continues to thrive as a welcoming, inclusive environment for girls, boys and neurodiverse players.
Senior Club of the Year – Edinburgh University Netball
Edinburgh University Netball Club has had an outstanding 2024/25 season, combining on-court success with meaningful community impact. The first team earned promotion to BUCS Premier North 2, while also winning both the Scottish Cup and National League titles, establishing the club as one of the most successful in recent university history. Success extended throughout the squads, with the second team narrowly missing out on the Scottish Tier 1 title and all eight BUCS teams, plus four CENA league teams, competing strongly. Off the court, the club has built a thriving partnership with Castlebrae Community High School, delivering netball coaching to S1 and S2 pupils and inspiring the next generation. Their annual Easter Camp brought high-quality coaching to young players across the city, and future include expanding into local primary schools and after-school sessions. The club also organised fundraisers in support of Edinburgh Women’s Aid, showing a commitment to making a difference beyond sport. Through excellence, leadership and community engagement, Edinburgh University Netball Club has cemented its place as a leading force in Scottish netball.
For every winner there are many more players, coaches and volunteers out there that netball can’t operate without. We salute each one of you that has made a contribution to Netball in Scotland, whether it be large or small and we urge you to continue your work building a sport that empowers people of every age and ability. Together, we look forward to an exciting future for Netball in Scotland.
