• https://walesnetball.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-wales-netball-icon-logo-1.png

    Posted by:

    Wales Netball

  • Posted on:

    June 20, 2024

Volunteer of the Month

As a co-founder of one of the fastest growing Netball clubs in Pembrokeshire for the past 20 years, Mel’s contribution to the growth of Netball in her area is phenomenal. This is Mel’s last year maintaining her many roles and duties, and Wales Netball would like to recognise her immense efforts by awarding her our Volunteer of the Month.

Mel’s first venture into creating a Netball Team started in 1995 when she noticed there was a lack of sporting opportunities for Army wives and so began the ‘Brawdy Army and Wives Team’. Years later, Mel went on to create Chaos Netball Club alongside co-founder Alison Turner, after being awarded a lottery grant. The club began as a Ladies club, to now having senior teams in the Pembrokeshire Adult League, and junior teams in the Pembrokeshire Junior League, totalling to around 170 club members.

As well as playing for the club herself, she has also held roles (sometimes simultaneously) such as Club Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, in addition to the Chair of Pembrokeshire Junior League at one point. Boasting both C-award Umpire and Level 1 and Level 2 Coaching qualifications, Mel’s contributions to Netball has been extensive. She has worked hard over the years to encourage young umpires and coaches to develop their own skills and confidence.

She has encouraged and supported young players to develop umpiring skills, coaching awards and also inexperienced coaches to become confident in their abilities.

Linda (current Chaos Netball Club Super Admin)

Understanding the importance of sustainability and having new coaches and umpires developing their skills, she has successfully helped to raise funds for young people’s qualifications. Mel did this through club funds which were successfully maintained through her work as Treasurer, securing various grants and subsides over the years to keep the club financially sound. Grants such as the Community Chest Scheme (now ‘Be Active Wales Fund’) has also helped fund necessary equipment for the club.

Mel’s commitment and dedication to coaching the U14’s and Back-to-Netball teams has always centred around encouragement and support.

Mel is very fair. She has always encouraged equal court time for all and brings out the best in so many young players. She is very knowledgeable of the game and always brings new ideas to training sessions. Players always know exactly where they are with her and what is expected. She is very approachable and always constructive.

Linda (current Chaos Netball Club Super Admin)

It is her unwavering support and organisation which inspired her club to nominate her for the ‘Club Organiser of the Year, 2017’ award by Sport Pembrokeshire, which she went on to win – fending off some very strong opposition.

After 20 years of constant loyalty to her roles and responsibilities, Mel has decided to retire as Club Chair and coach of the U14’s teams and Back-to-Netball. We are sure Mel’s efforts will be recognised by all of those who benefited from her support and guidance. Thank you, Mel, – for all you have done for the provision and growth of netball in your area!

Wales Netball’s Volunteers of the Month will be announced at the beginning of every month, with an article going on our website and posts going out across all social media channels.

If you would like to nominate your coach, an umpire, or someone who helps your netball club and the wider community, complete the nomination form using this link – https://forms.gle/fREqFRkPFyHnoPRn6

Masters Championship 2025

On the 19th of January we hosted our inaugural Masters Championship at House of Sport, Cardiff! Ten teams consisting of players 35 years old and upwards from across Wales took to court, on what was a fantastic day of heated competition and amazing sportswomen ship! Tough battles were fought right through to the final, where […]

Wales Netball Nominated for StreetGames ‘Youth Voice Champion’ Award

We are delighted to announce that Wales Netball has been nominated for the ‘Youth Voice Champion’ award at the 2024 StreetGames Sport for Development Awards. This nomination is a testament to our commitment to empowering young people and ensuring that their voices shape the future of netball in Wales. Championing Youth Leadership At the heart […]

Coleg Gwent Regional Academy Spotlight

At Wales Netball, we are committed to raising the profile of all our Academies across Wales and to recognise the hard work of athletes and coaches put into their weekly training. We currently have 9 Regional Academies across Wales, which are home to over 550 talented athletes from the U13, U15 and U17* age groups. […]

Wales Netball enter into a new partnership with Play Netball 

We are excited to announce a new Partnership with Play Netball, the UK’s leading provider of social netball leagues. Play Netball operate over 150 leagues across the UK – from Glasgow to Norwich to Cornwall – and are hoping to create more opportunities across Wales for a diverse range of women to pull their netball […]

Sarah Boswell Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Wales Netball and Cardiff Dragons

Wales Netball is proud to announce the appointment of Sarah Boswell as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a multi-stage recruitment process that attracted an exceptional field of candidates. Sarah will officially begin her new role on 13th January, leading Wales Netball and Cardiff Dragons into an exciting new chapter. Sarah brings over 15 years […]

Netball For Good – Community Story

Here at Wales Netball, we were recently informed of an excellent community initiative catalysed by Abergele Netball Club for their 15th year anniversary. They used this milestone to support women and babies in their local community and conducted a raffle to successfully donate over £1,000 to their chosen charity, Blossom & Bloom, based in North […]
Scroll to Top