East Midlands Netball Festival ft. ONE Awards: A Celebration of 100 Years of Netball
Bringing the East Midlands Netball Family Together
On Saturday 4 July, East Midlands Netball proudly hosted its very first Netball Festival ft. ONE Awards, bringing together the netball community to celebrate a truly historic occasion – England Netball's Centenary Year.
With more than 400 people attending throughout the day, the festival showcased everything that makes our sport so special: community spirit, inclusivity, celebration and connection. Designed to be an event with something for everyone, the day brought together players, volunteers, officials, coaches, families and supporters from across the region to celebrate both the history and future of our game.
A particular highlight of the event was the collection of displays created by several counties and the East Midlands region, showcasing the past, present and future of netball. These displays captured treasured memories, celebrated current achievements and shared aspirations for the years ahead, demonstrating the impact netball has had on communities across the East Midlands for generations.
We were delighted to welcome
England Netball Archivist Alastair, who shared insights into how England Netball is celebrating its centenary year and highlighted the many ways members of the netball family can get involved in commemorating this remarkable milestone
The festival truly demonstrated that netball is a game for everyone, from 5 to 105. Walking Netballers Joy Williams from Nottinghamshire and Mary Yardley from Derbyshire proudly showcased everything that Walking Netball has to offer, while later in the afternoon, Lincolnshire Netball Development Officer Louise Key delivered an engaging Bee Netball session, giving attendees an opportunity to experience the programme that introduces young children to our sport in a fun and accessible way.
There was plenty to enjoy away from the courts too. Attendees were entertained by live music, enjoyed the bouncy castles and BBQ, explored the various displays and stands, and connected with friends old and new throughout the day. The festival atmosphere reflected the warmth and inclusivity that sits at the heart of the East Midlands netball community.
We were also honoured to welcome a number of special guests, including Nottingham Forest Netball Super League and NXT Gen players Jayda Pechova and Regan Peters, Loughborough Lightning Head Coach Vic Burgess, and England Netball Chair Baroness Sue Campbell. Their support helped make the event even more memorable and highlighted the exciting opportunities and pathways available within our sport.
Alongside the festival activities, Derbyshire Netball hosted their annual awards ceremony, celebrating the achievements of volunteers and members within their county. The day then culminated with the East Midlands ONE Awards, proudly hosted by The Best Netball Podcast Ever, where we recognised the outstanding volunteers whose dedication, passion and commitment continue to make netball thrive across our region. Details of each of our ONE Award winners will be shared over the upcoming days.
The celebrations concluded with one final and particularly special award presentation. After
40 remarkable years of service to East Midlands Netball,
Vice Chair Sue Connor was recognised for her extraordinary contribution to the sport. As Sue prepares to step down from her role this autumn, the standing ovation she received reflected the gratitude and admiration felt by so many people whose netball journeys she has helped shape over the decades.
Attendees also generously supported our fundraising raffle, helping us raise an outstanding £810 for two fantastic charities selected by the Regional Management Board: Love4Life and the Royal Osteoporosis Society. Thank you to everyone who donated prizes and purchased tickets to support these worthy causes.
The success of the inaugural Netball Festival ft. ONE Awards would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of so many people. A sincere thank you goes to the East Midlands Netball Volunteer and Club Development Group, whose vision and commitment brought the event to life. Thanks also goes to the East Midlands Regional Management Board, our five county netball associations for their support and contributions, and all the volunteers who supported on the day for helping to deliver such a memorable celebration.
As we continue to celebrate 100 years of England Netball, this event was a fitting tribute to our sport's heritage, its vibrant present and its exciting future. Most importantly, it was a celebration of the people at the heart of netball, those who give their time, energy and passion to ensure our game continues to thrive for generations to come.
Our ONE Awards Winners!
Special Recognition
Celebrating individuals who have made a lasting impact on netball through their dedication, legacy and meaningful influence on the sport.
Congratulations to our three winners,
Donna Beckett, Victoria Lane and
Mary Yardley who will progress to the National Awards in October!
Outstanding Contribution - Delivering Great Sessions
For coaches, Bee Netball Leaders, Walking Netball Hosts, and teachers delivering extracurricular netball, this award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional, sustained, and impactful contributions. Through their leadership, dedication, and commitment to going above and beyond, they have made a significant difference to their communities, driven innovation, fostered inclusion, and inspired others to get involved in netball.
Congratulations to our three winners, Connie Xavier, Kerry Gardner and Sarah Cottrell who will represent the East Midlands at the national awards this October.
Outstanding Contribution - Making It All Happen
For officials, tutors, assessors, selectors, NETBALLHer Champions, event volunteers, and those serving in dedicated inclusion, safeguarding, administrative, and other specialist roles, this award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional, sustained, and impactful service. Through their leadership, dedication, and commitment to going above and beyond, they have made a significant difference to their communities, driven positive change, and inspired others along the way.
Congratulations to our three winners,
Jayne Bell, Kaylla Driscoll and
Kate Garner who will represent the East Midlands at the national awards this October.
Rising Star
Recognising emerging leaders aged between 12 and 25 who have shown consistent, selfless contribution to their community, demonstrating leadership, initiative, and positive impact.
Congratulations to our winner, Rebecca Bowen, who will represent the East Midlands at the national awards this October.
Thriving Collective
For an organisation, group of people or specific community project who have worked on a project, event or plan that has had a significant impact on the local community and demonstrated clear, quantifiable success from collaborative work, showing joint planning, shared resources, open communication, and significant impact.
Congratulations to our winner, The Best Netball Podcast Ever, who will represent the East Midlands at the national awards this October.
Regional Awards
As well as the four national awards, East Midlands Netball also has four regional awards.
Jean Perkins Walking Netball Award
Named in memory of Jean Perkins OBE who is ex-Chair of Leicestershire Association, ex-county Coach of Leicestershire Seniors, she was an A Award Umpire and Coach tutor and tester and a passionate advocate for inclusion within our sport. The award is presented to a Walking Netball participant whose personal lifestyle has changed significantly since coming to the Walking Netball sessions.
Congratulations to this year's two winners, Hannah Hitchcock and Hazel McConnell!
Jean Bourne Back To Netball Award
Named in memory of Jean Bourne, whose career included A Award officiating; coaching and chairing the Nottingham County Association and EM regional Board, as well as being President of England Netball from 1994-2000 and a local Notts club. The award is presented to a Back to Netball participant whose personal lifestyle has changed significantly since returning to netball.
Congratulations to this year's winner, Tilly Wardhaugh!
Jean Perkins Award
This award honours the remarkable legacy of Jean Staley and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution across club, county and regional netball. These are the people who quietly keep our sport moving forward.
Congratulations to this year's winner, Kate Garner!
Long Service Award
Approved by the East Midlands Regional Management Board for any registered participant or affiliated school member who has given at least 10 years of service (not necessarily consecutive) to the Region in any capacity (Player, Umpire, Coach, Administrator, Volunteer, Table Official, etc.).
Congratulations to the five recipients of the Long Service Award! Robyn Rogers, Kate Mann, Vicky Otterburn, Pam Weatherby and Lizzie Saunby!
