The 2016 Goalden Globe Awards were a double celebration in the West Midlands on Saturday night as England Netball took the opportunity to recognise and celebrate our incredible army of volunteers in our 90th year.
Over 300 people from across the country gathered to celebrate the wonderful work of the Netball Family.
The first award of the evening was the National Long Service Award, given to those who have dedicated themselves to improving the sport across the country.
The well-deserved winners were Valerie Challis, Cheryl Dewhirst, Margaret Fuller, Vanessa McErlain-Naylor, Margie McGee, Patricia Meadows, Rita Shea and Louise Swainson.
The focus switched to recognising those on the start of their netball journey as the Pass on your Passion Awards were handed out.
This year there were eight recipients as Stephanie Alderslade, Abigail Blythe, Gabriella Brittain, Georgia Brown, Samantha Evans, Abbie Fisher, Paige Jackson and Emily McClintock were celebrated.
The winner of the Young Netball Volunteer was Taylor Thow who has gone above and beyond in her volunteering. Not only does she coach and umpire at her club but she has also updated and developed the team website and continue to help with promotion
It was a joint-celebration when the Outstanding Netball Club Award was announced. The teams from Reckit Benekiser and Hucclecote both took home the trophy for their incredible work in their respective areas.
Tracy Watt collected the Grassroots Coach Award for her excellent work at all levels from grassroots to performance, adults and children. Tracy is a dedicated and well respected coach who has had a positive impact on so many players, ensuring they have a positive experience in netball.
Next up was the Grassroots Officials Award with Sarah Weston picking up the trophy following her great work to tirelessly introduce and update systems which improve umpiring standards within Avon.
After creating and coaching 11 teams in the North-East region, Rachel Masterman was rewarded for her fabulous work as she collected the Teacher Award. Netball is now the most popular sport played in her school!
The Mary Bulloch Administrator Award was won by Linda Dyer. A volunteering career dedicated to running and organising leagues in the south-west. Linda coordinates various workshops as well as the NSW Games Conference.
Hollie Wright picked up the Muriel McNally Grassroots Award. Since 14, when she became part of the Yeovil Netball Club Junior Coaching Team, she has been coaching at the club. Hollie has also undertaken a variety of roles including Treasurer, Marketing Assistant and now Chair.
The winner of the Unsung Hero Award was Brenda Blanc. Despite facing various challenges, Brenda has been unfaltering in her support and commitment to netball in Essex Met. Brenda is head coach at OPA Netball Club and also runs Back 2 Netball Sessions, supports sessions in Further Education and has been a driving force in developing Netball provision in the Newham Area.
Recognised for their wonderful work throughout care homes in the capital, London Sport were rewarded with the Inclusion and Diversity Award. London Sport’s Claire Smith has been instrumental in developing a new and innovative version of netball catering for care home residents unable to stand without assistance.
Contributing to netball in the North-East, the Foundation of Light collected the 2016 National Rose Award. Thanks to their hard work delivering a comprehensive netball programme which goes above and beyond the minimum requirements for the Premier League for Sport project.
The Foundation of Light has showcased netball in the region and at national events. The 2014 winner of the National Goalden Globe for Coaching (Charlotte Rush) has been funded and supported by the Foundation of Light.
Next up, England Netball welcomed two new Honorary Life Members to the netball family. Sue Collin and Pam Hoyle have both dedicated several decades to improving the sport in the East Midlands and Yorkshire respectively.
The evening was capped off with the introduction of the newest member into the England Netball Hall of Fame.
An inspiring officiating career, with highlights which include umpiring at two Netball World Cup finals and two Commonwealth Games finals, was officially recognised as Gary Burgess was announced to a standing ovation.
England Netball would like to thank our friends and partners from Team Colours UK, Movelat, Gilbert Netball, Masterclass, Fiat UK, Benecos, Sport Experiences, Sky Sports and Harrod UK for their support of the 2016 Goalden Globe Awards.
