March Organisation of the Month

For several years, Clwb Pel-Rwyd Ser Y Cwm, has struggled to recruit enough volunteers to support with their netball sessions, until recently when the committee put their heads together and came up with an innovative, sustainable solution! They are currently implementing an action plan to maintain a consistent influx of volunteers who can assist their club for years to come, guaranteeing that netball can continue to be played by all 95 members. As a result, they are our Organisation of the Month for March.

Volunteers play a huge role in netball in Wales, and this is no different for Clwb Pel-Rwyd Ser Y Cwm. As young players progress through their club and into senior netball, the volunteer parent workforce follows suit. As a result, the club now has only three qualified coaches, who manage nine teams ranging from U10s to senior netball, in addition to umpiring – which is a huge ask for the small team of remaining volunteers.

Their players are from a range of communities in Gwendraeth Valley where there aren’t many opportunities to be active. The club is implementing a structured, three-year volunteer strategy to increase wellbeing, relieve pressure on its present volunteer workforce, and keep netball sessions running. It is initially aimed at their existing young players, with the goal of providing a clear pathway of training and support for officiating and coaching roles, and those who sign up to it will be expected to pledge their commitment via a volunteer programme. Their first training and learning will include the Wales Netball Netball Leaders and Introduction to Umpiring courses in year one, followed by upskilling in year two to higher level qualifications. In year three, safeguarding, first aid courses and completion of previous qualifications is key. The club is also seeking sponsorship for clothing and resources for these young volunteers and will waiver match fees from their own account.

The benefits of this programme spread far. Players will benefit from a range of leaders and more opportunities to participate in games. Parents will benefit from coaches who are more enthused and have better wellbeing due to not being over-worked. The new leaders for the club, will also benefit through attaining additional skills, increases in confidence and a sense of purpose.
They are combining a demand for a larger volunteer workforce with the academic Welsh Bac curricula offered by a local secondary school. This will help them find these young leaders and establish a mutually beneficial partnership.

If you would want to learn more about the club’s plans and how your club can implement something similar, your club can attend the Wales Netball Club Forum on May 20th, 2024. To learn how to join, contact your club’s Chair, Vice Chair, or Secretary, who will get invitations to the forum by the end of April.

Thank you to the team at Clwb Pel-Rwyd Ser Y Cwm, for actively responding to the needs of your club – by creating a pathway for youth development & ensuring sustainability. Wales Netball are very thankful for your proactivity!

At the halfway point of 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