Our Members
Netball in Scotland is guided by the most talented, passionate and innovative people who dedicate their time to empowering others and facilitating greater participation. Our sport is full of people who work tirelessly to ensure Netball is played, and most importantly enjoyed, each week and whatever the weather.
These women and men are #ChangingTheGame and shaping netball for the future which is why we thought we’d introduce you to some of them!
If you are inspired by any of our members and want to learn more about becoming a member of Netball Scotland just click here!
Margaret Barr
Margaret Barr is currently a Bench Official for both Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens, here is a little more about Margaret!
Where do you currently volunteer for NS/Sirens? “I act as a Bench Official wherever I am asked to do so by Netball Scotland and Sirens. Been all over the country. Last year I was asked by Netball Scotland to deliver a Bench Official course to the Isle of Man netball. Great fun helping other associations and spreading the good name of Netball Scotland.”
When did you begin Volunteering for NS/Sirens? “I have been volunteering for a very long time. I began as a coach over 40 years ago and have been a coach, umpire, helped organise netball in my local district and now I am a bench official.”
Why did you begin volunteering for NS/Sirens? “I do it because I enjoy it and always have. I get a great deal of pleasure from it and you meet lots of fabulous people. You also have the advantage of meeting all the players and also attending world class competitions.”
What is your most memorable moment volunteering for NS/Sirens? “My most memorable moment volunteering is really difficult to choose because they are all enjoyable for different reasons. However, I think it must be at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. Fabulous experience.”
Margaret Barr on why you should #GetInvolved and volunteer with Netball in Scotland: “I would encourage everyone to volunteer for Netball Scotland and Sirens because it is a fantastic experience and you meet so many fabulous people. Some of the people I have met through netball volunteering have become very close friends. Above all netball is a team game and volunteering is my way of being part of the team. It’s Super fun!!!”
Click here or E-mail educationadmin@netballscotland.com for more information on becoming a Bench Official.
Frances-Anne Doyle
Frances-Anne Doyle is the Scotland U17’s Assistant Coach and Bench Manager for Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens, here is a little more about Frances-Anne!
When did you begin Volunteering for NS/Sirens? “It was around 2010 when I was training to become a bench official and I participated in National Finals day that year but my first major event was the World Youth Cup in Glasgow in 2013.”
Why did you begin volunteering for NS/Sirens? “It was something I had always been interested in, I volunteered for some Wildcats matches back in the day and went on a stats course and from here I was hooked. The role has grown massively and when the opportunity to participate in the Commonwealth Games came up I took every opportunity to train and get there as one of the Technical Officials.”
What is your most memorable moment volunteering for NS/Sirens? “There truly have been too many too mention the Technical Officials have become a big family and are a fantastic bunch to work with, we have enjoyed hosting events and participating in training in places like Gibraltar, Dublin and Isle of Man and many a road trips to deliver events for NS or just support our athletes in Superleague. But the most memorable I would say is Technical Bench Manager in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Final, the venue, the athletes, everything just became a true turning point for Netball in Scotland and even the UK. Amazing experience!”
Frances-Anne Doyle on why you should #GetInvolved and volunteer with Netball in Scotland: “There are so many opportunities to volunteer whether it be at your local club, district or even on the national stage but I would say you don’t need to be a athlete or coach or even know the rules of Netball inside out to help. We have so many roles and are often the unsung heroes on match days. behind the scenes so much happens you don’t know about, but we rely on our volunteer workforce to help deliver the best experience for everyone and it’s something the athletes themselves really appreciate. We are always on the lookout for Match Bench Officials, if you have an interest in stats and numbers or would love the opportunity to be courtside helping to control the match, get in touch. It’s an intense course but the opportunities are endless, who knows Birmingham 2022 is just around the corner.”
Click here or E-mail educationadmin@netballscotland.com for more information on becoming a Bench Official.
For more information on how you can volunteer for Netball Scotland email events@netballscotland.com
St Mirren
St Mirren Netball Club is a Senior club based in Paisley. Here’s a little bit more about them!
Tell us about how your club got started? “St Mirren started as Linwood and changed to St Mirren about 10 years ago with a change of venue to Glennifer High School in Paisley. As other clubs wound up, it allowed adults to continue playing netball in the area.”
Tell us about your club today? “3 years ago, the club reinvented itself with a full constitution, committee and with the amazing ex Scottish internationalist and ex Sirens star Fiona Moore-McGrath as coach/player we have not looked back. We have three teams, The Magpies, Hawks and Eagles, playing in Glasgow leagues in the first, third and fourth division respectively. For the last two years we have entered a team into the Scottish Cup playing teams from around the country. We also have many recreational players who help the club flourish.”
What is the biggest benefit of taking part in netball? “The benefits of netball are far reaching. Firstly, the health benefits. It can be difficult to get out to exercise, especially in the cold winter months. But with so many friendly faces encouraging each other to do their best, it just makes it that bit easier. It’s also a great de-stress after a tough day at work! Secondly the friendships that are formed. Your club mates see you at your best and worst and keep you going. The friendships that are formed are lifelong. Thirdly the game itself. The excitement before the game, pulling on that dress and giving it your all and more on the court for the love of the game.”
Why would you encourage others to get into netball? “We would encourage others to get involved as netball is growing in popularity throughout the UK and the world. If you want to get fit and make friends, netball is the sport for you!”
Finish this sentence: Netball is…fun, friendship, fitness and fabulous!
If you would like to #GetInvolved in your local netball club check out the Netball Scotland Club finder here!
Eilish’s Paisley Rockets (EPR)
Eilish’s Paisley Rockets (EPR) Netball Club is a Junior and Senior Netball Club from Paisley. Here’s a little bit more about them!
Tell us about how your club got started? “We started the club as we were a big family and our girls wanted to stay and play together. We changed our name from Paisley Netball Club to EPR in honour of our Eilish who was sadly killed and one of our original squad.”
Tell us about your club today? “Our club is thriving, diverse and a family of all ages. We now have 2 teams playing in the GNA”
What is the biggest benefit of taking part in netball? “Keeping fit and making friends for life. We call them our ‘Netball Family'”
Why would you encourage others to get into netball? “It’s a great way to make new friends and keep fit!”
Finish this sentence: Netball is… “a major part of our life”
If you would like to #GetInvolved in your local netball club check out the Netball Scotland Club finder here!
Ross Allan
Ross Allan is a B Umpire currently and is linked to Scotstoun Netball Club and is on his Journey to becoming an A Umpire. Here’s a little bit more about him!
How did you get involved in Netball? “When I began teaching at Strathaven Academy in 2007 I got involved with the PE department in delivering extra curricular clubs. One of the DHTs wanted to start a netball club and I supported her in coaching and running the school teams. Through working in South Lanarkshire I met Mary Frances McNeil, Netball Development Coordinator who encouraged me to get involved in officiating and supported my early development. When I moved jobs to different schools I always got involved with netball. It is a great way to build relationships with young people who you may not encounter in the Chemistry classroom. I have been extremely lucky to be supported by a number of inspirational people over the past 10 years, people that have allowed me to achieve my goal, well nearly, of my A Umpire award.
What is the biggest benefit of taking part in netball? “The people – athletes, officials, coaches, team managers, volunteers and supporters.”
Why would you encourage others to get into netball? “Netball is more than the 14 athletes on the court, there are opportunities for so many different roles within the sport. My journey has seen me focus on the officiaiting aspect but there are roles for bench officials, team managers, performance analysts to name but a few. It is a sport that is growing exponentially within Scotland and the UK. With the profile of male teams like the Knights rising then there are more doors opening in the future.”
Finish this sentence: Netball is… “more than two teams of 7 players. Officiating allows for opportunities to support the growth of the game, travel and achieve personal goals.
If you would like to begin your own Umpiring Journey email educationadmin@netballscotland.com or check out our Education Course Finder here!
Amy McIntosh
Amy McIntosh is an Assistant Coach and Player (GA, WA) for Eilish’s Paisley Rockets. Here’s a little bit more about her!
How long have you been a member of your club? “2 years as a player and prior to that 5 years as a coach for the younger age groups!”
How did you get involved in Netball? “I started playing in Primary School when my age group was eligible to start training. My older sister also played so encouraged me to get involved.“
What is the biggest benefit of taking part in Netball? “Its a very socialable sport, as well as keeping you fit.”
Why would you encourage others to get into Netball? “It’s a great way to get yourself active, meet new people and its enjoyable. The competitive edge of it is also exciting!”
Finish this sentence: Netball is… “a sport for everyone, no matter what level of ability.”
If you would like to #GetInvolved in your local netball club check out the Netball Scotland Club finder here!
You can also look into beginning your own Coaching Journey by emailing educationadmin@netballscotland.com or checking out our Education Course Finder here!
