Port Talbot School Teacher Awarded Highest Netball Umpiring Qualification.

Alison Davies of Fforestfach has received the International Umpiring Award [IUA] from the International Netball Federation at the recent Netball World Youth Cup.  The IUA is the highest qualification level that can be achieved by a netball umpire.  Alison is currently the only umpire in Wales that holds the IUA status.

On her recent achievements, Alison said:

“To say I have achieved my IUA at the Netball World Youth Cup semi-final is still like a dream which I have to keep repeating to myself,” said Alison, who is a PE Teacher and Wellbeing Director of the Upper School at the brand new Ysgol Bae Baglan ‘super school’ in Port Talbot.

“I have had the most incredible two weeks of netball at the Netball World Youth Cup – I have met and umpired with amazing and talented friends from around the world.

“So many people have played such a big part in me getting here, it’s a dream come true.”

Alison began umpiring in 2012 before quickly starting her international umpiring career later the same year in Gibraltar at a Netball Europe Ranking tournament.  She has since built on her experience umpiring at the prestigious Vitality Netball Superleague after being selected into its umpiring pool, and was heavily supported by the mentors, assessors and fellow umpires within the league.

Alison has had a very busy year umpiring around the globe, including the recent Summer Quad Series in Northern Ireland, the World University Netball Championships in Miami in 2016, and the Celtic Clash between Scotland and Northern Ireland the same year.

According to Alison, Welsh Netball have supported her every step of the way:

“I’m grateful to Welsh Netball and the mentors who have supported me all the way through,” said Alison, who is originally from Pyle.  

“They’ve helped me to umpire at the U17, U21 and senior camps, and I’ve taken advantage of every opportunity Welsh Netball and the INF has given me.”

ENDS