Vitality Rose Jade Clarke has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) after being named in the New Year Honours list for 2023.
The 39-year-old midcourter who made her debut for the Vitality Roses in 2003, has been recognised for her services to netball.
Jade began her netball journey when she was nine at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Partington, Manchester where she grew up.
She played at Trafford Netball Club, followed by Oldham before then joining Loughborough Lightning, taking part in the inaugural season of the Netball Super League.
In February 2003 she made her international debut against New Zealand, taking to court in her home city at the AO Arena in Manchester.
Since then, Jade has made 195 appearances for the Vitality Roses. She has helped win three medals at the Netball World Cup and four at the Commonwealth Games, including a historic gold against Australia in 2018.
This famous victory on the Gold Coast, watched by 1.8 million people, helped inspire over 100,000 women to start playing netball in the UK. The team were also recognised with several prestigious accolades including Team of the Year at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
Fran Connolly, CEO of England Netball commented: “On behalf of England Netball, I would like to congratulate Jade on her recognition in the New Year Honours list.
“As England’s most-capped player in history, Jade is a netball legend, having played consistently at the top level for almost 20 years.
“On and off the court, Jade is an amazing role model for our sport, continuing to excel for the Vitality Roses whilst being an incredible advocate for netball, helping to inspire and encourage players of all ages and at every level of the game.”
Jade will be back in action for the Vitality Roses in January at the Vitality Netball International Series against the Jamaica Sunshine Girls.
Limited tickets are still available for the opening game in Manchester – get yours here.
