Forward Futures Collective Spotlight – Gwenno Humphreys

My name is Gwenno Humphreys (middle, bottom row in picture to the left), and I’m honoured to be a part of the first ever Wales Netball Forward Futures Collective, representing the West Wales region. I started playing netball when I was 14 and have been playing with my local team in the Ceredigion League ever since. Netball has provided me with many opportunities, such as playing, coaching, volunteering, umpiring, all of which have helped me to grow my confidence and develop new skills on and off the court.

The most challenging aspect of being on the Youth Board for me at first was finding the confidence to speak up and share my views and ideas. Being one of the younger members of the group, I felt nervous and sometimes worried about whether my ideas would come across in the right way. Over time, I’ve realised that everyone brings slightly different views to the discussion, and with some encouragement from the other members, I feel reassured and confident in sharing my perspectives.

By welcoming young individuals to join the Youth Board, it became clear that Wales Netball were ready to listen to our voices and were eager for us to provide our opinions and perspectives. From the first ever meeting, our contributions have been greatly appreciated, not only by Wales Netball, but with other sporting bodies that have attended our meetings. Receiving updates on how our input has been taken forward solidifies the feeling that our voices matter. It shows we are making a genuine contribution to the organisation.

I believe that the most rewarding aspect of being a member on the collective is our ability to communicate unique perspectives, and how we can come together to make a real input. It is also rewarding to be listened to and supported by other members of the board, and how the perspectives of all members are valued and taken on board.

To anyone considering joining the youth board in the future, go for it! Everyone involved is there because of their passion, and love for netball, making it an incredibly supportive and welcoming environment for anyone interested. It is a wonderful opportunity to have your say, and to be listened to about how netball in Wales can be improved, whilst being able to grow your confidence and meeting new people who share the same interests.

One key takeaway I have learned from the past year as a part of the Forward Future Collective is the importance to go for every opportunity and never be afraid to voice my opinions. I have realised that speaking up can help create positive changes, even if my perspective is different to everyone else’s perspective.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity from Wales Netball to be part of the Youth Board, and how it has allowed me to grow as an individual while contributing to the sport I love. I am looking forward to the next year as a part of the Forward Future Collective. I am excited to continue working with the group to make a positive impact and to inspire the next generation of netball enthusiasts to get involved.