April Volunteer of the Month

Sandra Popple has been described as the ‘lynchpin’ of Creigiau Netball Club, the true backbone where without her, the club would fail to run smoothly. Sandra has been a member of the club for over 22 years, dedicating countless hours weekly. Her contribution and dedication is phenomenal, which has secured her as Wales Netballs’ Volunteer of the Month for April.
Sandra wears many hats when it comes to her roles and contributions at this South Wales based club. As a qualified C-award umpire, she umpires regularly in Cardiff Leagues, where their junior and senior teams compete. For a long while, she was the only umpire the club had, leaving the organisation of all teams to her. At present, she is very supportive of new umpires in the club and continues to encourage players to attend Introduction to Umpire and C-Award courses that lead to the C-Award Umpire Qualification.

As a qualified Level 1 Coach, Sandra also spends her time coaching the U16’s and assisting the senior coach. Showing up at every Wednesday game in the Cardiff and District Adult League, her support and coaching from the side lines for all teams competing is invaluable. From the A team who have just earnt their promotion to Division 1, to the back to netball players, Sandra has been there for every player, every step of the way.

“Sandra is a great source of support and inspiration for everyone at our club. She helped me so much in my return to netball after 15 years and has done this for many others, building our confidence and enabling us to get back playing the sport we love. She genuinely cares and her ongoing dedication is appreciated by us all.”

– Jo Green, Senior Player at Creigiau Netball Club.

As a fitness lover, Sandra works players hard, but simultaneously keeps the sessions fun and interactive, with drills designed to introduce new skills and build on developing skills already introduced. Training numbers have shot up over the past few years, as everyone enjoys the sessions. Sandra is described by Natalie Arnold (Club Treasurer, player and umpire) as “the biggest cheerleader of netball players and women in general. She is encouraging, calm, and offers clear perspectives and advice when players are feeling jaded or down”.

Despite her coaching and umpiring commitments, Sandra continues to provide more of her time to netball. As club secretary, she is the all-round go-to person for anyone at the club when there is a problem. She oversees all correspondence, supports the Club Treasurer, and is an ace at any and all IT related tasks. She is also an officer for Cardiff and District Adult League, doing a lot of work behind the scenes, such as player monitoring and code of conducts.

Sandra, you have been Creigiau Netball Clubs anchor for so many years. It’s evidently clear you are making such a positive impact to the netball experience for so many players, and for that, Wales Netball want to say a big thank you!

Wales Netball’s Volunteers of the Month will be announced every month, with an article going on our website and posts going out across all social media channels.
If you would like to nominate your coach, an umpire, or someone who helps your netball club and the wider community, complete the nomination form using this link – https://forms.gle/fREqFRkPFyHnoPRn6