To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we have spent some time talking to five incredible members of the Netball Family who all #ChooseToChallenge.
Displaying resilience and determination, all these women either thrive working in a role or field some may perceive to be gender biased, continue to break down barriers or successfully challenge age stereotypes.
Afsana Afsar – breaking down barriers
Since September 2018, Afsana has worked tirelessly to break down barriers within the community and has been the key driver behind creating a netball provision that’s empowering, welcoming and safe for ethnically diverse communities in Derby.
Isobella Cottrell – age stereotypes
Izzy, aged 21, has volunteered for a total of over 900 hours over the past two years in a variety of netball roles whether it be coaching, umpiring, organising, teaching or leading. She also represents England Netball as a Youth Voice on the National Youth Sport Forum (led by the Youth Sport Trust).
Emma Bowes-Crick – challenging perceptions
Emma has been involved in nursing for the Army for over 20 years and has fulfilled various deployments overseas in a variety of roles. She worked at the Nightingale Intensive Care Unit during the first lockdown, when it was used as a step-down unit for post-COVID patients.
Lucy Page – what it means to be teen and showing a mature attitude
Lucy, aged 14, has had a particularly tough time through the pandemic with her mum working as a paramedic and her stepdad as a police officer. With both parents out on the front line, home life has been particularly stressful, not to mention balancing school.
Natalie Morris – the male sports media landscape
Natalie has several connections to netball, not only playing but also being a familiar voice with the work she does on The Netball Show – the first UK netball podcast which launched in 2017 – to help promote and raise the profile of the sport and the individuals involved.
Follow England Netball on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for the latest content.
