Wales Netball
September 15, 2025
My name is Leah O’Sullivan, and I am proud to be the Chair for the Forward Futures Collective (FFC) Group. I’m 24 years old and live in Caerphilly, where I run my own netball club and dedicate much of my time to helping others enjoy sport.
My netball journey began back in Year 7, inspired by Suzy Drane, who I had met at a point where I was not interested in playing any sports. After seeing her lead with such passion and determination, it inspired me to become just like her. From there, I joined my local club, represented South East Wales, and developed a lifelong love for the game through playing and coaching.
Alongside playing, coaching, and now leading through FFC, I’m passionate about encouraging more people to stay active and promoting wellbeing both on and off the court. Being part of the Youth Board has allowed me to bring these passions together, helping to create opportunities for others while shaping the future of netball in Wales.
Personally, I’ve gained massive confidence in public speaking this past year, something I struggled with since school. One of my proudest moments was presenting our ideas to other National Governing Bodies and members of Wales Netball. I was nervous, but the support of the FFC Group gave me the courage to share my views. Leaving the meeting knowing people had listened and valued what I said was a huge turning point for me.
Balancing my commitments as Chair with my full-time job was a challenge early on. But learning to manage my time better and knowing I could lean on other members for support made it possible. This experience has helped me grow not only as a leader but as a person.
I feel my voice has genuinely been heard this year. One example I’m particularly proud of was suggesting new initiatives to improve health and wellbeing support for all members and players. Seeing that idea picked up and worked into Wales Netball’s discussions and resources put on the website was incredible. Moments like that show how the voices of young people can directly shape the sport, not just now but for years to come.
Working as part of the FFC Group has been both rewarding and inspiring. We all come from different backgrounds and experiences, but that’s what makes our discussions so valuable- we’re constantly learning from one another. The group has been amazing at encouraging everyone to speak up, even when ideas are still forming. We’ve built a genuine sense of trust, which has made tackling big projects not only easier but fun. I wouldn’t have been able to fulfil my role as Chair without such an incredible, supportive team beside me.
Looking ahead, I’d love for the Youth Board to continue focusing on making netball more accessible, especially in communities where clubs are harder to reach or resources are limited. My dream is that every young person, no matter where they live, can experience everything that netball has brought me.
For anyone thinking about joining the Youth Board in the future- go for it. You don’t need to have all the answers; what matters is your passion and willingness to contribute. This experience will help you grow in ways you never imagined and give you the chance to shape the sport you love.
When I first joined, my motivation was simply giving back to a sport that’s given me so much and to ensure every voice is heard. Over time, my perspective on leadership has completely changed. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room- it’s about listening, connecting people, and helping others succeed. That’s something I’ll carry with me in every area of my life moving forward.
I can’t thank Wales Netball enough for the amazing opportunity they’ve given me through the FFC Group. I’ve grown in confidence, learned so much, and been surrounded by inspiring people who share my passion for making a difference. Netball isn’t just a sport to me- it’s where I found my voice, my confidence, and my community. I’m excited to see what initiatives we can bring to life next year and how we can keep inspiring the next generation of netballers to get involved, both on and off the court.
