December Organisation of the Month

In a story of enduring dedication, community spirit, and sporting excellence, Central Netball Club is celebrating a monumental anniversary! What was thought to be their 50th year has been delightfully overturned by a discovery, revealing the club’s true founding year as 1968. This means Central Netball Club is officially marking its 57th anniversary – an incredible milestone that makes them a true cornerstone of the Welsh netball community. We are proud to name this powerhouse club our Organisation of the Month and celebrate their rich, successful history that has spanned over half a century. 

The club’s journey began decades ago at the Central Boys Club in Cardiff, nestled on the corner of Bute Terrace and Bute Street. It was here that founder and first coach, Thelma Plain (a teacher at the former Heathfield House, now St Davids College), started a legacy. Thelma’s team operated alongside other sports, fostering a vibrant environment for young athletes. 

Following the redevelopment of Cardiff City Centre, the club embarked on a nomadic period, training at various locations, including Fairwater Leisure Centre and Howell’s School, before finding their long-term home at Whitchurch High School, where they continue to train and inspire talent today. 

Since its beginnings, the club continued to grow and nature young talent, fielding four teams for South Glamorgan Leagues. These teams remain an integral part of the club, now competing in what is known as the Cardiff & District Netball League – one of the largest Senior adult leagues in Wales. Currently, the club have two teams in Division 1, one team in Division 2, and one team in Division 3.  

Central Netball Club has consistently set high standards for its players both in training and on the netball court. The club’s commitment to development has seen many of its players rise to the highest levels, earning the coveted ‘Welsh Feather’ cap and representing Wales and other netballing nations. A roll call of honour includes: 

• Welsh Feather #85, Andrea Madeley (nee Williams), who earned her first cap during the 4th Netball World Cup, hosted by New Zealand in 1975 and went on to earn 42 Test Caps,  

• Welsh Feather #118, Elizabeth Lincoln (nee Rees) who received her first cap playing in an International against Canada in 1990 and went on to earn 85 Test Caps, 
• Welsh Feather #127, Janet Allen (nee Horrell), who played her first game in an International against the Republic of Ireland in 1993, and went on to earn 38 Test Caps,

• Welsh Feather #151, Nicola Lewis-Clifford (nee Lewis), who earned her first cap playing in the 10th World Cup hosted by New Zealand in 1999, and went on to earn 29 Test Caps, 

• Welsh Feather #179, Stephanie Perry (nee Williams) who earned her first cup playing in the 12th World Cup hosted by New Zealand in 2007, and went on to earn 56 Test Caps, 

• Welsh Feather #185, Nichola Cooke (nee James) who earned her first cap playing in the 2009 Netball Europe Open Championships against Scotland and went on to earn 45 Test Caps.  

Several notable individuals have made a substantial impact on the club’s development, among them Nicola Lewis and Jan Allen, who contributed both as players and as coaches. Janet Allen perfectly encapsulates the club’s competitive and nurturing environment: 

“What I love about the club is that the game is played in the correct manner… I loved the fact that the club was super competitive, and we always played to win. There have been so many positive role models for myself and now my daughter Carys, who was one of the original Central babies, and my teammates have remained lifelong friends. Thank you, Thelma, for starting up such a fantastic club and a huge thanks to Ceri who took on everything after I retired.” 

– Janet Allen

Current player Ceri Walters echoes this sentiment, marking her 23rd season with the club: 

“Over the years, the club has celebrated significant achievements and faced its share of challenges, but everyone has always come together to support one another and keep the club moving forward. Being part of this club has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to contribute to its legacy and form lifelong friendships along the way.” 

– Ceri Walters

Since its establishment, the club have earned numerous accolades, including league divisional titles, U17 National Club Championship winners, and most recently, the Masters Championship Winners title. This latest achievement saw former players join forces with current members to proudly represent the club once again.  

A massive congratulations to Central Netball Club for reaching this astounding 57th anniversary! It is a milestone achieved through sheer hard work, determination, and a profound love for the game. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this extraordinary club. 

Every month, Wales Netball will announce its Organisation of the Month. An article will be displayed on our website, and a post will be shared across all our social media channels.       

If you would like to nominate an organisation involved in the Netball community, complete the nomination form using this link:  https://forms.gle/9RxwRWndbCRX4fgCA