October Volunteer of the Month

In the heart of Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, a sports story is unfolding, driven entirely by the boundless enthusiasm and tireless dedication of Sarah Partlett. As a vital, irreplaceable force within Pel-Rwyd Blaenau Ffestiniog, she has cultivated an environment that is not just safe and fun, but vibrant and successful—making her our well-deserved Volunteer of the Month for October! 

When Sarah moved to Blaenau Ffestiniog from Norwich a few years ago, she recognised a community need and immediately established and began running an adult netball team. This team is now a cornerstone of local life, offering a crucial, welcoming space where beginners fall in love with the sport and returning players rediscover their passion. 

Her leadership is defined by success: she took the adult team from friendly sessions into competitive action, leading them to join the local league in Plan Silyn, Penygroes. Sarah’s incredible drive and positive energy have proved invaluable to the players every step of the way. Sarah also recently expanded the Netball family by introducing Walking Netball to the club. This inclusive initiative has been an instant, resounding success, proving the game truly is for every age as older women have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to participate! 

Sarah’s impact is equally profound in the junior teams. She coaches the children’s netball team, who have quickly demonstrated their desire get competitive and joined a junior league in Bangor. This fantastic opportunity allows them to proudly showcase their skills and their new-found love for the sport on a bigger scale. A powerful testament to her exceptional ability is the fact that a couple of her junior players have already gone on to succeed in national trials and join successful teams further afield. 

Furthermore, Sarah hosts highly successful, free skill building classes for primary-aged children, laying the foundation for early physical literacy and a lifelong love of activity. 

Perhaps most remarkably, every single hour of coaching, organising, and motivating, is provided 100% voluntarily by Sarah, aside from covering essential court fees. Sara Davies, (adult player) captured the sentiment perfectly: “Sarah’s contribution is priceless. She brought netball to our community, giving adults a welcoming place to connect and children a fantastic, focused activity. She truly is a game-changer.” 

Her efforts are far more than just sporting; they provide a crucial social backbone, helping adults make “forever friends” and giving children an essential, positive after-school activity. Ellen Toms (adult player) told us: “Her unending love for the sport is the driving force behind all these initiatives. She is the ‘button’ of our little club, keeping us all on our toes with endless messages, organisation and dedication, she is the best!” 

Sarah’s generosity extends far beyond the court lines. She is a fundraising powerhouse, organising endless charity tournaments to raise vital funds. The charities chosen are often those close to the club’s heart, with past efforts benefiting causes like Diabetes, the Air Ambulance, and a local elderly home. She also uses her fantastic fundraising skills to raise crucial funds directly for the youth teams. 

It is abundantly clear that Sarah is an irreplaceable force in her community. Due to her inspiring dedication and infectious love for netball, she is having a huge, positive ripple effect on everyone around her. We celebrate her tireless efforts and the phenomenal, inclusive netball opportunities she continues to bring to Blaenau Ffestiniog! 

Thank you, Sarah, for everything you do! 

Wales Netball’s Volunteer 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