The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact across society – sport included – and netball in Wales is no exception. The suspension of all netball activity in Wales is helping to keep netballers, umpires, coaches and volunteers safe at this time, but it is also having a bit impact on the sport we all love.
It has been absolutely fantastic to see all of the videos going around social media of netballers young and old, from clubs to elite squads, enjoying the game from home. We have seen incredible fundraising efforts from across Wales as well as some very creative ways of both keeping fit and developing netball skills from the house, garden, office, spare room and street!
Throughout the lockdown, Wales Netball staff have been trying to support the netball community as best we can. We would also like to thank all of the leagues and clubs who have had to make quick decisions in order to do what is right for the sport in their respective areas. Now more than ever we need to support each other, and we have been heartened by the support that we have had from netballers, clubs, leagues and athletes across Wales over the last few weeks. Wales’ netball community has truly kept the show going!
However, now that it has been six weeks since netball in Wales was suspended, it has meant that the sport and the National Governing Body face some deeper challenges. At the moment, without any events, Superleague fixtures and courses, netball is facing a difficult financial period. As a result, Wales Netball is now having to make use of the UK Government’s Job Retention (Furlough) Scheme. Along with the Celtic Dragons squad, several Wales Netball staff will now be on furlough as of Friday 1 May. While this means we will have fewer people in the organisation to serve the netball community, it doesn’t mean that our work stops.
Steps have been taken to ensure that disruption to our members, athletes and partners is minimised and that cover is in place across the organisation. Wales Netball will continue to support its members, clubs, leagues, schools, officials and high-performance athletes and assist them in any way it possibly can. This includes the Celtic Dragons netball franchise.
More than ever, we recognise the critical role that netball is playing in maintaining our physical and mental well-being. Rest assured, Wales Netball will continue to be here for our members as we move through this difficult time.
All general enquiries to Wales Netball can still be made via email to welshnetball@walesnetball.com
We will also continue to update our COVID-19 information web page with the latest developments.
We wish you all the very best as the lockdown period continues and hope that you are all staying safe and keeping physically and mentally well.