Wales Netball
July 18, 2023
Wales Netball are pleased to be entering into a partnership with Hugh James. This agreement will see Hugh James be the official Community Partner for Wales Netball.
Hugh James and Wales Netball will be joining forces to drive participation and equal playing opportunities for women and girls. The partnership will also support the Welsh Feathers ahead of the upcoming Netball World Cup in South Africa and contributes much needed funding that will go towards delivering a World Cup legacy project to increase participation across South Wales communities.
As official community partners, the Cardiff headquartered law firm will support Wales Netball’s Fit, Fun and Healthy Camps focused on tackling barriers to participation with free lunches and period products, as well as bringing added equipment and coaching resources to communities in Wales. The legacy initiative is also hoped to contribute to the growth of netball at the grassroots level as well as investing in future talent.
The collaboration comes at an exciting time for the two Welsh brands, with Zoe Matthewman, Paralegal in Hugh James’ Financial Mis-selling team, named in the Welsh Feathers squad heading to Cape Town on 23rd July. A semi-professional athlete, Zoe moved to Wales to follow her net balling dreams in November 2022, and now balances life in the law with life on the netball court, combining dedication and passion in pursuing personal and professional goals.
CEO Wales Netball Vicki Sutton commented: “We are thrilled to have such a supportive partner in Hugh James. In a climate where many people just talk about women’s sport in a positive manner it is wonderful to have a firm actually invest in what we are doing and truly show their support. The fact that Hugh James are interested in both Performance and Participation Netball is such a welcome sight and will really allow us to make meaningful impact in both pathways”.
Director of Business Development and Marketing at Hugh James, Joe Purcell commented: “We are thrilled to be working with Wales Netball to support their upcoming World Cup and their inclusive legacy project beyond. The Fit, Fun and Healthy initiative addresses the real challenges families face when accessing extracurricular sports for young girls. The project will help deliver an important community impact in South Wales, where our firm is headquartered, and many of our employees call home.
“The World Cup is an exciting springboard to promote a game for all, and we are looking forward to working together. On behalf of everyone at Hugh James, we are especially proud that our Paralegal Zoe Matthewman will be with them on that journey, going further to inspire participation in the sport for the next generation.”
Speaking ahead of the World Cup in Cape Town, international player Zoe Matthewman said: “The Netball World Cup will offer a wonderful opportunity to introduce the sport to new players and fans, and I’m incredibly proud to be involved. Netball is my utmost passion, and I am so grateful for the backing of my employer, Hugh James. Discovering their new community partnership with Wales Netball is an added bonus, and I hope I can engage in the legacy project, to inspire and improve participation throughout South Wales.”
