Scottish Thistles Head Coach, Tamsin Greenway, announced today that she has appointed Sara Francis-Bayman as her Assistant Coach as she prepares to kick off her Commonwealth Games 2022 campaign. The Loughborouigh Lightning Head Coach is no stranger to the Scotland side as she played alongside many of the Thistles athletes as a Siren in the 2018 Vitality Netball Superleague season.

After retiring as an athlete at the end of that season, she took on the Head Coach role at Loughborough Lightning leading the team to the Semi-Finals in her inaugural season and going on to win the 2021 League Final this June at the Copperbox Arena in London live on Sky Sports. An ex-England Roses athlete who has an accomplished playing career which includes a season in New Zealand with Central Pulse where she made the Grand Final, Francis-Bayman brings with her a wealth of expertise and passion that Greenway is excited to bring into her Thistles programme.

Tamsin said of her new Assistant Coach: “Getting the right assistant coach was crucial as we continue to build, grow and develop here in Scotland. Sara and I both came through the high-performance programme at Bath and played together for a long time. She is a smart, driven individual who knows how to win and more importantly knows how to get the best out of players. After her season at Sirens she understands the setup here, what works and what needs to be pushed on. I know the players will be excited to have someone with her class on board and I can’t wait to start working with her this summer”.

Sara Francis-Bayman shares Tamsin’s vision for Scotland and is excited by her new role, saying: “Scotland are a rapidly improving team who have a huge amount of potential and I’m looking forward to working with Tamsin to help them to challenge at the highest level. I’ve known both Tamsin and Karen for a long time and couldn’t miss the opportunity to work with them to take the Scottish Thistles to the next level. We’ve seen how much talent there is in Scotland through the Sirens’ performances and I hope to contribute to that potential being transferred into results”.

Karen Atkinson, who was recently announced as the new Performance Director for Netball Scotland added: “It is important that we prepare the Thistles in the best way possible heading into a Commonwealth Games year and then into the Netball World Cup. It is fantastic to be able to add a coach of Sara’s calibre to Tamsin’s coaching team. Sara was an exceptionally smart player. She understood the game and its dynamics extremely well and she has now transferred that to becoming a title-winning coach with Loughborough Lightning. Her hunger to win and her drive for player development is second to none and we need that ruthless, winning mentality within our Scottish Thistles squad if we are to achieve our ambitions in world competition”.

Netball Scotland CEO, Claire Nelson, is excited by the powerhouse coaching team that she is building in Scotland. “We know we’re a small nation with a lot of work to do to be able to truly compete with and challenge the top nations on the world stage. But what we have already proven through Sirens this past season is that we have the raw talent, passion, and belief to punch well above our weight, and when this is underpinned by world-leading coaching expertise, we are giving ourselves the best shot possible to go into world competition and achieve our targets.”

She continued: “The introduction of Sara to our national programme is incredible. When I think about the Coaching team that we now have here in Scotland I have to pinch myself, but we are under no illusions about the scale of tasks ahead of us. However, we are all so ready to take on this challenge together as one connected, empowered team. Watch this space because we mean business!”

Greenway and Francis-Bayman will both be in action together for the first time next week when Scotland hosts Wales and Northern Ireland in a weekend of friendly match play.

Scottish Women’s Institutes and Netball Scotland have teamed up to take Walking Netball to women across Scotland in a new initiative designed to expand pathways to sport.

The partnership will see more than 14,000 women encouraged to participate in the sport, which is set to be played in village halls and school gyms up and down the country.

Walking Netball is a slower version of the game; it is netball, but at a walking pace. The game has been designed so that anyone can play it regardless of age or fitness level.

A number of SWI members have been trained by Netball Scotland’s facilitators and can now pass on their skills and enthusiasm in their local Institutes to encourage participation and activity. The collaboration will now see members in 663 institutes across Scotland given the opportunity to participate in the gentle activity no matter their experience.

Scottish Women’s Institutes President, Linda Retson, said: “This is an exciting collaboration for us. The Walking Netball programme will join golf, bowls and curling as a key sport for Scottish Women’s Institutes and we are delighted to be working with Netball Scotland and give members a fun, friendly, sociable, safe and very exciting new activity. Getting together to have fun and exercise our bodies and minds fits perfectly with Scottish Women’s Institutes’ outlook and we believe Walking Netball will be a huge hit.”

Geraldine McGuire, Head of Development, Netball Scotland said: “The partnership between Netball Scotland and the SWI celebrates a joint vision to empower women across Scotland. Through the platform of walking netball, we will collaboratively enable women to build vibrant communities across the country where they can learn new skills, share experiences, build friendships and support networks and most importantly have fun.

As a Governing body, Netball Scotland is leading the way in Scotland in the Changing Lives Agenda. This partnership showcases our commitment to extending our reach out with the sporting sector, building networks of expert resource and knowledge which contribute to achieving Active Scotland Outcomes. Together with our partners at Age Scotland and Breathing Space we very much welcome the opportunity to expand our walking netball programme through the SWI membership.”

This ‘Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week’ we are taking a closer look at the leaders behind the leaders in women and girls sport. So, today, we want to shine a #SPOTLIGHT on the hidden heroes of the game, our Volunteers.

Netball as a sport is growing in Scotland at a fantastic pace but it can only continue to do so through the immense dedication of our sport’s incredible volunteers. These women are #ChangingTheGame and shaping netball for the future, which is why in this article we thought we’d introduce you to some of them:

Margaret Barr – Bench Official for Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens.

• 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!!!”

Jackie Gregory –  Bench Manager for Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens 

• When did you begin Volunteering for NS/Sirens?
  “My first event was at Kelvinhall, back in the day when you literally just recorded centre passes and goals for each team, things have moved on a lot since then!”

• Why did you begin volunteering for NS/Sirens?                                                                                                                 “I first started volunteering in 1993 when my late husband came out of the army, he was ill and I was his full-time carer, volunteering was my time for me and also getting to be part of a sport I love.”

• What is your most memorable moment volunteering for NS/Sirens?
  “I have lots of great memories but probably my favourite was receiving volunteer of the year and also being selected to do major competitions like our home commonwealth games was an honour.”

Jackie Gregory on why you should #GetInvolved and volunteer with Netball in Scotland:                              “Everybody should volunteer as you get so much out of it and it’s great to be part of a wonderful team of athletes and volunteers and play a part in the growing success of this sport. The Real Beautiful Game.”

Kay Cherrie – Front of House Volunteer for Strathclyde Sirens and Netball Scotland

• Where do you currently Volunteer for Netball Scotland?                                                                                                 “I volunteer as Front of House and help place volunteers in their positions within the Emirates and elsewhere when required.”

• When did you begin Volunteering for NS/Sirens?
  “2016! Sirens first home match of the season and for NS a number of years ago”

• Why did you begin volunteering for NS/Sirens?                                                                                                                 “I enjoy meeting new people and helping to promote netball”

• What is your most memorable moment volunteering for NS/Sirens?
  “My most memorable moment is anytime the Sirens or the Thistles win!”

Kay Cherrie on why you should #GetInvolved and volunteer with Netball in Scotland:                                              “It is a great experience and getting to know the staff at Netball Scotland and the players makes it more enjoyable”

Frances-Anne Doyle – U17 Assistant Coach and  Bench Manager for Netball Scotland and Strathclyde Sirens

• Where do you currently volunteer for NS/Sirens?                                                                                                                 “I’m based across the country just dependent on training and events.”

• 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.”

We hope Margaret, Jackie, Kay and Frances Anne’s stories have inspired you to #GetInvolved and become a volunteer for Netball Scotland or Strathclyde Sirens there are so many opportunities just waiting for you.

In fact, why not take our volunteering survey, it should only take 10 minutes. This will help us inform our volunteering strategy review and improve the experience that Netball Scotland provide.

TAKE THE SURVEY HERE 

We have an incredible group of volunteers here at Netball Scotland so we want to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers for their relentless dedication to netball, our sport wouldn’t be where it is without you!

If you know an incredible volunteer who is #ChangingTheGame make sure you share their story using the hashtags #SheCanSheWill and #ChangingTheGame and while you’re at it tag us here at Netball Scotland & Strathclyde Sirens too, you can find us on:

• Twitter @NetballScotland / @SirensNetball
• Facebook @NetballScotland / @StrathcydeSirens
• Instagram @NetballScotland / @SirensNetball

It’s time to vote for your winners of the Netball Scotland Awards 2019! To help you make your decision we’ve put together a rundown of why each of our nominees were chosen as finalists.

This year we have had some truly inspirational nominations! Everyone on this list, through their passion and dedication for netball, are ensuring the successful growth of the Netball in Scotland and are ensuring its success for the future!

Congratulations to all finalists, you truly are the pillars of our sport and we are thrilled to be able to share your achievements as far and wide as we can.

NOW LETS GET VOTING!! Head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages to like and comment for your preferred winner, or just email membership@netballscotland.com with the name of your choice.

‘Agnes O’Brien’ Senior Club Coach of the Year Finalists

• Gemma Sole

Gemma Sole co-founded Edinburgh Accies Netball Club in 2018 and has been Head Coach in its inaugural season where she led the team to the finals of the Scottish Cup. Gemma has created a club geared towards the development of its players by introducing a professional training program involving strength and conditioning, specialist coaching and player development sessions.

• Donna McLean

Donna Mclean is a Level 2 Netball Coach with ACES Netball Club. Donna volunteers for the Senior Team and the Under 17s, both have been unbeaten in their respective leagues. Donna works hard, and invests a lot of time with the Committee and Club to make Netball the main sport for women in Airdrie.

• Rachel Holmes

Rachel Holmes coaches Bellahouston Netball Club. Rachel has created a club environment that provides an inclusive place for recreational players through to elite, national representatives by providing training that is fun, focused and demanding and organising tournaments to test and challenge her players. The club currently has 4 teams playing in the GPL and GNA league.

• Fiona Moore-McGrath

Fiona Moore-McGrath coaches St Mirren Netball Club. Fiona has increased club membership by 60%. She brings so much knowledge and experience to the club, coaches and all members regardless of ability.  After the birth of her 2^nd child fiona is committed to leading training every week and is involved with the committee, always ensuring the best for the club and its members.

Junior Club Coach of the Year

• Lorna Norton

Lorna Norton coaches Bruntsfield Primary School Netball Clubs and led the P7s to win the EPSSA tournament. Lorna invested years in developing Netball in her local primary school and community. As one parent said: Not just a coach but also a mentor, a motivator and a real counsellor to all of the children throughout their time in netball. She has also mentored a couple of children who are now on the Edinburgh Netball Development Squad.

• Christine Fourie

Christine Fourie was integral in setting up Inverleith Swifts Junior Netball Club in 2017 and has been lead coach in its inaugural season, leading one of the U13 teams to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup this year. Christine also set up Mininetters in 2016, which provides fun netball coaching sessions for girls in the P1-4 age group. If that wasn’t enough, Christine also coaches Performance level athletes at the City of Edinburgh Netball Sports Academy (S1-S3) and is a coach in the U17 Netball Scotland Development Academies.

• Amy McIntosh

Amy McIntosh coaches Paisley Juniors Netball Club, U15s team, who were undefeated in Glasgow League Cup who then went on to be Scottish Cup champions, a first for the team. Amy is extremely passionate about netball devoting her time, energy and expertise to run all training sessions, arrange games, venues and umpires. Amy provides a safe, fun and enjoyable experience and all the girls gain from Amy’s leadership.

• Jane Morris

Jane Morris has been the Lead Coach of the Dundee District Netball Squads since 2017.  With the help of Jane there is now a total of 55 girls involved in weekly squad netball coaching and participation in Netball Scotland District competitions. Jane is providing opportunities for these girls to attend regular coaching and to progress on the netball performance pathway, opportunities that weren’t available to junior players in the local area previously.

Bounce Back to Netball Club of the Year

• Winchburgh Warriors BBN Club

Winchburgh Warriors BBN is an inclusive club for all levels of fitness and ability. Members attest that the club is Inspiring women to work together as a team and look out for one another whilst keeping fit and having fun. Located in a growing Village the Club sits at the hub of the community helping integrate new and old and bringing the community together

• Linlithgow Flyers BBN

Linlithgow Flyers BBN has welcomed everyone into the club and created an amazing community spirit with various tournaments and fundraisers across the years. Members attest that people have made friends for life and got super fit in the process. For the past 3 years many people within the club had dedicated their own free time to ensure the club goes from strength to strength.

• West Lothian Netters BBN Club

West Lothian Netters were the first BBN club in West Lothian launched in January 2016. Since then members attest that the club has gone from strength to strength. The goal for the club is to evolve as the members want it to; whether organising friendlies, social events, sessions to incorporate drills or just playing netball. Whatever the members want from the group that’s what it delivers.

• BigLuke BBN

Bigluke BBN is a combination of BBN Clubs Biggar and Carluke. Mhairi Lake, who runs the BBN sessions, ensures a welcoming and fun atmosphere for all participants, regardless of age, gender, body type or ability. The club regularly attends NS Festivals, hosts visiting and local BBN clubs for friendlies and supports charity festivals and events in their local community.

Junior Club of the Year

• Harmony Row

Harmony Row have worked hard to accomplish some great achievements. They reached the finals of the U17 Scottish Cup in Aberdeen with their GD winning player of the match. They also won the Glasgow U17 League and were promoted to the 1st division. This, as attested by their nominee, has been a truly inspiring year for these young athletes who have shown teamwork, commitment and willingness throughout.

• Andrews Netball Club

St. Andrew’s Netball Club is at the heart of the community. They partner with the local primary school, secondary schools and Active Schools in North Lanarkshire. The Club has nearly 200 girls from U11-U17 age groups and are expanding to include U9. The club provides a player pathway from U11 to adults. Their U13s and U15s made many semi-finals and the U17s finished 2nd in their league.

• Aces Netball Club

Aces Netball Club are inclusive of all members and have grown significantly over the past 12 months. They concentrate not only on winning but an appreciation of the game.  They develop their members knowledge and skills to give them opportunities to grow. The Club also encourage and facilitate fundraisers for the local community and donations to the local foodbank.

• Stirling Juniors Netball Club

Stirling Juniors Netball Club is dedicated to offering girls in Stirlingshire the chance access quality netball coaching to develop their skills. The Club have entered 2 junior league teams into CNA leagues, winning the junior section and have supported its junior players whilst they attend umpire courses, to develop umpiring in the central belt. Also, the team have, over 4 years, raised £5000+ for charity.

Senior Club of the Year

• ACES Netball Club

ACES NC Senior Team has been unbeaten this season, as such they secured promotion in the GNA from 4th to 3rd. The club continues to support mental health awareness and have donated and supported many charities throughout the year. The club is also a strong figure in the community as its coaches’ volunteer at schools and after school clubs around the local area.

• St Andrew’s University Netball Club

St Andrews Netball Club have had their biggest season yet in terms of numbers of players, competitive teams, coaches and umpires. With All 5 competitive teams finishing in the top 3 of their respective BUCs leagues, 18 members on C and B Umpire Course and 16 qualified Level 1 and 2 qualified Level 2 coaches. The club also gives players access to workshops including nutrition, recovery and mental toughness, and raised over £3000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

• Linlithgow Flyers Netball Club

The club entered two teams in the first CNA league and finished in second and fourth place. A new Tuesday night recreational session also started to encourage new BBNers to join the club, in addition to this the club are also looking to plan taster sessions for junior netball over the summer and hopefully create a junior section. Through Linlithgow NC women in Linlithgow and beyond are getting fit and having fun playing netball.

• St Mirren Netball Club

St Mirren Netball Club entered 3 teams in the GNA league for the first time ever, and increased their  membership by 60% from 17/18 to the end of the 18/19 season. Working with NS the club are creating a new development and education plan for the club. 6 members have since attended their C umpire course and 1 was awarded her B re-endorsement. The club also have 5 qualified coaches. St Mirren work closely with the NS Renfrewshire Netball Forum and are fully engaged with the GNA in the hopes of further development for its members and local netball

‘Moria Ord’ Volunteer of the Year

• Lorna Colquhoun

Lorna Colquhoun volunteers as a coach for Aces Netball Club and is a level 2 coach. She also supports the development of netball in North Lanarkshire and supports school netball in NL often giving up her free time to attend activities in schools as well as supporting the club at festivals and friendlies. Lorna helped launch a positive mental ethos in the club, with a mental health Bounceback Tournament. Lorna is also supporting the development of junior players to become young coaches and umpires for the club.

• Rachel Johnston

Rachel Johnston has led the successful evolution of Linlithgow Flyers over the last 2 years.  She is passionate about netball and has increased numbers to BBN nights as well as introducing 2 teams into the CNA league this year.  She has successfully promoted Linlithgow Flyers in the community and is a great advocate netball. She is keen to help the netball community and has also been supporting the administration of the CNA league.

• Pauline Kelly

Pauline Kelly is the U15 coach for St Cadocs Netball Club and has been an integral part of their development.  She has completed her Level 1 and passed her C umpire course in the last 18 months and worked so hard to learn as much about the game as possible.  She coaches the girls at the club but all also helps with the ER District squad to further develop her knowledge as a coach but also as an umpire.  She has given her time to help with the local school competitions as an umpire and quite recently as a coach.

• Michelle Jempson

Michelle Jempson began volunteering as Coach with Winchburgh Warriors in 2018 when the club had around 20 members. Since then Michelle has been instrumental in growing the club to its current 60+ members. Michelle is responsible for organising friendlies, tournaments & festivals, she also organises drills and circuits and according to members, does so with the biggest smile on her face.

• Sarah Black

Sarah Black is a volunteer membership coordinator on the committee for Stirling Netball Club. She is a founding member of Stirling NC which was established initially as a BBN club back in 2015.  Sarah also sustained, for four consecutive years, the delivery of netball sessions at HMP Cornton Vale, a women’s prison giving young and mature women the opportunity to stay active and a positive link to the community outside of the prison.

Umpire of the Year

• Anna Beattie

Anna Beattie is an Umpire in the East Renfrewshire district who is currently progressing to her A assessment. She encourages coaches and players to develop their umpiring and mentors them through their C course, always making herself available for Q&As if anyone needs extra help. Anna umpires for her own club teams, NLP League, ER district, Active Schools tournaments and Netball Scotland’s Inter-District and Schools’ Competitions.

• Sarah Downey

Sarah is a first team player at the University of Strathclyde Netball Club. She is the clubs only B qualified umpire on the team and is always keen to help and mentor other members who are sitting their C assessments. Sarah is considering doing her A and currently umpires many GNA and BUCS matches weekly, in addition to playing for Strathclyde University NC and studying full time.

• Jennie King

Jennie has been promoting and encouraging umpiring opportunities within Linlithgow Flyers.  She has introduced mentoring to encourage club members who are interested in stepping into the umpiring world to shadow other umpires and build up their knowledge and experience before and after attending courses. Her approach is to encourage others while recognising everyone is different.

• Katie Howell

Katie Howell has progressed along the umpire pathway, gaining her A Umpire Award and being selected to Umpire at Netball Europe Challenge Cup. She has been active all season umpiring in the NPL in Glasgow, as well as umpiring Sirens and Thistles training matches. This exposure has helped her development and improved her performances as an umpire. She is dedicated to her craft and continues to help educate players as well as new umpires.

School of the Year

• Perth High School

Perth High School have 6 netball teams from S1-S6 with over 64 pupils participating in lunchtime and after school training. 4 of these teams have competed in the Scottish Cup this year, with 2 reaching gold level. All 6 teams play in the Perth and Kinross league and hold the title for S2 and S3 league champions. More recently, Perth High’s netball team have seen numerous pupils and staff undergoing training on UKCC Level 1 and C Umpire courses to develop these disciplines within the school. This enabled pupils to run netball clubs after school and volunteer their own free time to help run the PKNN primary netball festival.

• St Ninians

St Ninians have 5 teams in the Scottish Cup (S1, S2, S3 and Open) and 6 teams in East Renfrewshire Competitions. The S1, S2 and S3 teams all qualified for the Scottish Cup and S3 reached the semi-finals, in addition the S1’S WON THE East Renfrewshire League and the S2’s won the West Central Games. The school runs development training groups, coached by senior girls, to encourage girls to train as umpires. They have worked with the girls at all levels of their netball development, beginners through to those on the Scottish National Development Awards.  They work with the local clubs to improve coaching, facilities, availability and umpires to ensure the girls have the best experience.

• James Gillespie’s

James Gillespie’s High School Netball Club actively promotes netball as an extra-curricular activity. So much so that there are now 80 registered participants who attend every week, play local leagues and host local tournaments. This club excelles through committed pupils, both male and female. This year there was a team entered into every age group of Netball Scotland’s Scottish Schools Cup, all made it to silver or gold playoffs. In addition, Four of the S2/3 team went on to do their C umpiring badge and many will be doing next terms Netball Leaders Awards.

• Glasgow Gaelic School

The Glasgow Gaelic School netball clubs are open to all ages and abilities and have a mix of boys and girls, with 91 participants. The school had 3 teams taking part in the Scottish Schools’ Cup this year, with the S1s making the Bronze Cup final, S3s qualifying for the Gold cup and Seniors qualifying for the Silver Cup. In addition, their S2 Teams won the Glasgow Schools’ Netball league, whilst their S3/4 Team won the Glasgow Schools Premier Division. The school also sent an U14 team to the International Netball Festival in Paris in April. Whilst there, they qualified for the top section of the competition, finally finishing third after losing to the eventual winners from Sydney.

VOTING OPENS 1PM THURSDAY 25TH JULY AND CLOSES 5PM THURSDAY 1ST AUGUST! 

It’s that time of year again! To coincide with #VolunteersWeek (1-7^th June) and UK Coaching’s #GreatCoachingWeek (4-10^th June) we are delighted to launch nominations for the Netball Scotland Awards 2019!

The Netball Scotland Awards gives us, the Governing Body and our ever growing netball community, the opportunity to focus on the contribution of key volunteers and personnel who work continuously to develop our sport and its’ people.  Our Awards celebration allows us to acknowledge, recognise and honour those clubs, teams and individuals who dedicate their time, expertise, skills and passion to the delivery and development of the sport at school, club, district, regional or national levels.

We are now accepting Season 2018/19 nominations for the following awards:

Moira Ord Volunteer of the Year

Umpire of the Year

School of the Year

BBN Club of the Year

Eilish Herron Young Coach of the Year

Junior Club of the Year

Junior Club Coach of the Year

Senior Club of the Year

Agnes O’Brien Senior Club Coach of the Year.

Got someone in mind that would be a deserving winner of one of our 9 categories?  Then get nominating – find the 2019 nomination form here.

This year we’re also asking that you submit TWO netball related photos of your nominee to membership@netballscotland.com after you have completed your nomination form to ensure everyone knows who our shortlisted selection and eventual winners are!

Nominations will be open from Friday 7th June until Friday 21st June (8.00pm), following which our Netball Scotland Selection Panel will shortlist the category finalists through the information provided in the nomination submission only, those selected will then go head to head in our Awards Public Vote.

*Full details on this year’s Netball Scotland Awards strategy and nomination process can be viewed within our Nomination Form.*

#EveryBodyForNetball 

Thank you to everyone who submitted a design entry into our Christmas Card competition.  The standard was incredibly high and picking our winner was no easy feat, however we are delighted to reveal that our winning design was created by the lovely Emma MacMillan, age 8, from Netball Fever (East Dunbartonshire).

Not only is Emma’s design being used across all of our Christmas well wishes, she will also feature in the opening home game of the Strathclyde Sirens 2019 season, as mascot for our Captain, Claire Maxwell.

From the full staff and Board of Netball Scotland, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year when it comes. 2018 has been actioned packed for Netball Scotland, and 2019 is looking to be even busier..  and we cannot wait to get stuck in.

*Please note the Netball Scotland office will close on Friday 21st December (at 5.00pm) and re-open on Monday 7th January 2019.