Organisation of the Month

Llandovery Netball Club, founded in 2019 by sisters Sophie, Becci and Bella Witt, has grown from a small group of players into a thriving community of over 150 members. Through sport, leadership, and community spirit, Llandovery Netball Club empowers girls in a remote rural area to shine, grow, and make a difference — on court and beyond, earning them our Organisation of the Month for September.  

Six years ago, three dedicated sisters, ‘the Witt sisters’, explored the idea of starting a netball team. Eager to learn, follow direction and bounce back from any setbacks, their enthusiasm showed no bounds and through their sheer hard work and resilience, Llandovery netball club has gone from strength to strength. Based in the heart of Carmarthenshire on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, the club works hard to develop every player holistically, as is signified by their local Llanelli Netball League.  

Denise Craddock, Chair of the Llanelli Netball League, notes “Llandovery Netball Club has become an integral part of our netball league family here in Llanelli and truly mirrors the values of our League, with emphasis on participation, growth, development, friendship and enjoyment. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch Sophie, Becci and Bella turn their vision and ideas into reality. Extremely proud of what they have collectively achieved in such a short time.” 

A key part of their success is down to their dedicated workforce, which includes 12 qualified Level 1 coaches. The Witt Sisters have all become qualified coaches and umpires, setting the standard for others to follow. The club also encourages their members to give back through umpiring, coaching and mentoring young players, to build future leaders both on and off court! Laura Davies / Adeilad Claddings (Parent/Sponsor), echoed this sentiment: 

“The volunteers and coaches are wonderful role models for the young girls involved in the club promoting equality and inclusion. As a sponsor of the organisation, we are incredibly proud to support the young girls and women in their vision to play netball and be ambassadors for their club both on and off the court.” 

Llandovery Netball Club started with just one team in the Llanelli Netball Leagues Division four. Today, they have over 160 members from 6–7-year-olds through to Seniors. They proudly field seven junior teams in the Carmarthenshire Junior League and three senior teams in the Llanelli Netball League. Their Senior A team recently celebrated a promotion to Division 1, a huge milestone that highlights the dedication and hard work of the players.  

The club’s success extends beyond local leagues. On the wider stage, three of their senior members represented Powys Sparks and West Wales Phoenix teams in our FleetEV National League this year. Additionally, more and more girls from the club are being selected for West Wales and Regional Academy squads, a testament to the talent being developed within the club. 

Sara Williams, a Year 10 player, shared what the club means to her: 

“The club means so much to me. It gives me something to look forward to each week. Without it, I wouldn’t have met some of my closest friends. Every training we have a laugh, develop new skills, and enjoy every second. I have also found, each game I play, my confidence and mood skyrockets. I am so grateful to the club for giving us girls all these opportunities.” 

Beyond the court, Llandovery Netball Club is committed to giving back to its community. Over the years, the club’s members have raised vital funds for Llandovery Hospital, Welsh Air Ambulance, and Challenge Aid, with the club stating that “community is at the heart of everything we do”. Their next challenge is the Three Peaks of Wales Challenge on September 20th, where they will once again combine teamwork with charitable efforts. 

Alex Shufflebottom, a parent, reflects on the club’s impact:  

“One of the nicest things about Llandovery Netball Club is the community it has created, it’s brought together friends and families and become a huge part of the Llandovery community. I will never forget the sponsored walk they did 4 years ago that saw over 100 people walk 12 miles over a mountain range, unbelievable for such a small area.” 

he inspiring work of Llandovery Netball Club clearly shows how a passion for sport can build a powerful and supportive community. We are proud to celebrate the fast success of this club and wish them all the best in the future – we can’t wait to see what they achieve!  

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