Wales Netball
August 15, 2025
We are pleased to share the news that Jean Foster has been named as the interim President of the National Governing Body, following the retirement of previous President, Sheila Cooksley.
At the recent Annual General Meeting of Wales Netball, our President, Sheila Cooksley’s, third and final term was completed. Whilst we are currently undergoing a governance reform, our Vice President, Jean Foster, steps in as President for the interim period.
Sheila has served the organisation in many ways across all areas over the years and has been invaluable to both the internal team and the community. A former Wales team manager and Welsh age group coach, our Vice President was voted in by the members in season 2014/15 and has led us as President since 2021.
Sheila Cooksley spoke of her presidency, “Thank you Wales Netball for the privilege of being your President since 2021. It has been an honour to head the Association through such growth and development, and to have had the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of such illustrious people as Merle Hamilton, Wendy White and Penny Nicholas. I now pass the baton to Jean Foster and can think of no better person to lead us forward. She will represent the Association with honesty and integrity.”
Jean Foster, our incoming President, said “It has been a huge privilege and an honour to be asked to step into the shoes of interim President of the Association. Following in the steps of Sheila, Wendy White and Merle Hamilton, all legends of the game in Wales and tough acts to follow.”
Sheila gave a heartfelt speech at the AGM where she thanked the netball community and the board for their dedication and commitment to the sport; “I have been very proud to be a member of Wales Netball, and it has been an important part of my life. It gave me the opportunity to play the sport I love at club level and make many lifelong friendships. As President, my aim was always to represent the membership with integrity and honesty and that they felt they had a voice at the highest level; the membership is the reason Wales Netball exists.”
Catherine Hares, Wales Netball Chair, thanked and congratulated Sheila on her 4-year Term in Office as President, and for the 7 years prior as Vice President. “Sheila’s unwavering commitment, passion, and decades of service as a volunteer, coach, and manager has made her an invaluable and immeasurable presence. I am proud and excited for our Vice President, Jean, to be stepping up to the President role. Jean is welcomed and I’m looking forward to seeing her plans unfold”.
