Lisa’s CV is impressive, having volunteered for 20 years. The 44 year-old from Newtown, Mid Wales, coaches
several teams and clubs, including; Maldwyn Netball Club, North Powys County
U14, Penygloddfa Primary School, and Newtown High School.
Lisa also finds time to develop umpires in the area once a
month. Umpiring is how Lisa began her
volunteering. She completed her level B umpiring
and travelled all over Wales to gain experience. Lisa eventually sat her level A paper and passed,
but didn’t get to sit her practical exam as she became a proud mum to her first
daughter, Tayla.
In 2007, Lisa recognised that the North Powys area lacked
junior clubs. However, after forming
great links with local high school teachers, she was determined that her Club
could help develop netball in the area.
According to Lisa, finding an indoor venue was tricky. Thankfully, Flash Leisure Centre in Welshpool
came to their rescue offering an hour slot on a Saturday morning. Fast forward 10 years and the Club now has 80
members, ranging from 7 to 55 years of age.
And she hasn’t stopped there! Lisa has recently set up a new club in
Newtown, which already has 25 Under 11 junior members and 30 members in the Back-to-Netball
for Ladies team.
Lisa’s hard work has evidently paid off, and is gratefully
received in the area. Her enjoyment of
volunteering comes from being able to share her love for netball with others.
“I absolutely love netball, and to share my favourite sport
with so many people is extremely rewarding,” says Lisa.
“Watching children and adults develop their netball and
social skills is very satisfying and quite addictive.
“Many friendships have been formed over the years. To see
a smile, to see someone’s confidence grow, to give many people the opportunity
to play netball whilst keeping fit and having fun, and putting netball on the
map in North Powys – these are the
reasons why I volunteer.”
Amongst everything else Lisa has on her plate, she still
makes time to play netball. Lisa plays Goal
Attack in the senior team within the Newtown and District League. Her team are
doing well in Division 1.