During the last academic year, Wales Netball hosted Josh Anderson, third year University of South Wales student, on a netball development placement. Here, Josh speaks about his time with Wales Netball and how the placement has helped him gain skills and experience in sports development at the heart of Wales’ netball community.

Josh, tell us about the work you undertook whilst on placement with Wales Netball…

“Whilst on placement with Wales Netball, I worked on increasing participation levels in two local clubs in the Vale of Glamorgan area. This involved going into primary schools across Barry and providing free taster sessions/fun days for the children.”

What were the aims of your project with Wales Netball?

“My desired outcomes were to increase participation in both clubs with my main aim being to increase participation levels for children aged 8 – 11 for the two local clubs by delivering taster sessions in local primary schools, for years 5 & 6. I also set myself some personal aims. They were to achieve a netball qualification, network with others and develop my management skills.”

Did you manage to achieve these outcomes?

“I managed to achieve all of my desired outcomes. This was because both local clubs increased their participation levels and personally I attended and achieved a netball leader’s qualification and improved my management skills too.”

How did your placement with Wales Netball benefit your studies at the University of South Wales?

“My placement with Wales Netball was beneficial to my studies because the organisation was very flexible and supportive towards my project and my studies. This meant that I could continue to focus on my workload in university but also ensure that the project was progressing.”

Would you encourage other students to take advantage of USW’s link with Wales Netball?

Yes. The reason I say this is because it allows you to work in a professional environment and allows you to build and network with Wales Netball staff. I also believe that by doing a project with WN can separate you from the crowd!”

What does the future hold for netball development in Wales?

I think that the development of netball in Wales is going in the right direction and is continuing to grow. I think the number of participants is going to continue to rise in Wales due to the great working being done by the development staff, Celtic Dragons and Wales.

Laura Rees, Wales Netball development officer, worked with Josh during his placement. She was full of praise for him and the insight he brought from USW.

“Josh did an absolutely fantastic job whilst on placement with Wales Netball. He was well organised, full of innovative ideas and very quick to make a positive impression in the netball community.”

She added: “Josh’s project was instrumental in presenting some new opportunities for young players in Barry. The excellent partnership between Wales Netball and the University of South Wales has made this possible. I wish him all the best for the future and look forward to welcoming another USW student on placement.”