The hard work and commitment given by England Netball’s volunteers was recognised at a glittering awards ceremony at the weekend.

Netball Teacher of the Year Cherry Harding and Former England Captain Amanda Newton

Over 250 guests were invited to the organisation’s Fourth Annual Goalden Globe Awards at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire, where people who have worked tirelessly to develop and promote netball were nominated for awards.

Phyllis Avery, who was vice president of England Netball for three years before being appointed as President in 2004, retired from her role at the event, handing the reins over to Barbara Bishop. For her years of loyal and unstinting service to England Netball, Phyllis was honoured with a Life Membership.

Young Volunteer of the Year Emma Groundwater

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being President of England Netball, as I felt it was a way of contributing something to the sport,” said Phyllis.

“As president, I have had the opportunity to meet and encourage England Netball volunteers, who are a tremendously dedicated bunch. I would like to wish my successor, Barbara, the very best of luck for the future.”

One of the most emotive awards of the evening was the Honorary Life Membership award, presented posthumously to Christine Harpham for her exceptional service to England Netball at national level. As well as sitting on the board of directors, Christine was also heavily involved with one of the largest clubs in Suffolk, Christchurch Ladies, where she worked with key people to gain Gold CAPS accreditation and the Sport England Clubmark. Her numerous achievements and roles include membership to the National Council, the Membership Committee and England Netball’s board of directors. Christine was also Chairman of the East Region since 1990, chairing the region’s executive committee and was chairman of the East Region Management Board. There to pick up Christine’s award was her brother, Eric Harpham.

Amongst other winners was Tina Owen, rewarded for her outstanding contribution to the development of disability netball with the Rose Award. Since founding Shrewsbury Wheelchair Netball in 2005, Tina has raised a staggering £17,000 to fund specialised sports chairs and the weekly use of the sports facilities for the players. The dedicated volunteer has also set up a lunchtime club at Severndale Special School. On both a regional and national level, Tina has adapted England Netball rules for wheelchair users.

Tina said: “I am thrilled to have won, especially since there are so many people involved in netball who give so much to the sport. It’s fantastic to be involved this evening, as this event brings us all together to celebrate a sport that we are all so dedicated to.”

Two new introductions to the Hall of Fame included former England captain, Amanda Newton, appointed in 2006, she led the team with great success, including victory over New Zealand for the first time since 1975 and Janet Wrighton MBE, for her work as a volunteer at local, county, regional, national  and international level spanning over 40 years.

Phyllis Avery, presenting Janet with the award, said: “Her service to netball was recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list, an honour which was very much deserved. The Officers and everyone, I am sure, at England Netball, would like to congratulate her on her achievements and thank her for her many years service.”

Cherry Harding, head of netball at Beaconsfield High School in,Bucks won the Netball Teacher of the Year Award for her outstanding contribution to the development of netball outside her statutory teaching responsibilities. Over 160 girls play the game at the school and Cherry encourages pupils of all abilities to get involved in the sport, regardless of their ability, at lunchtimes and at after-school sessions. Many of her pupils have gone on to England trials and continue to play the sport into their adult lives.

The Muriel McNally Award was the first of two awards to be received Doreen Willcocks, a volunteer who has made a notable contribution at a grassroots level. A founder of Pinehurst Netball Club in Wiltshire, the dedicated volunteer has spent has spent 63 years working tirelessly as a player, coach, organiser, trainer and secretary at the club. Pinehurst became the top club in the area and moved into the London League, producing players of international standards.

Coach of the Year was awarded to Maggie Jackson, coach at Mavericks and Grangers Netball Club. The club were league winners in the final county competition last year and are also Intercounty Tournament Holders. Two of the players now play Superleague. Maggie continues to coach at grassroots level and volunteers by coaching in local schools.

Awards went to other worthy winners including Norfolk United Netball Club, which walked away with the Nextgen Award, presented to an organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to developing and supporting its netball volunteers.

The award for Young Volunteer of the Year went to Emma Groundwater of the West London Junior Netball League. Over the past two seasons the 18-year-old has coached the U12 and U16 teams and also carries out extra duties in her free time and is an elected member of the West London Junior League Committee.

The Long Service Award was taken home by 13 volunteers who have all made a notable contribution to the development of netball willingly and selflessly for over 25 years. Recipients included Norma Ashcroft, Sue Blackshaw, Barbara Brown, June Bryne, Fiona Cashmore, Barry Knee, Jackie Royall, Doreen Willcocks, Gill Barradell, Jean Gall, Di Hickinbotham, Daphne Payne and Kathryn Pemberton.

Chief executive of England Netball, Paul Clark, said: “Like many sports in this country, netball relies heavily on its volunteer workforce at all levels of the game and we are extremely lucky to have some of the most committed and passionate in the business.

“The Goalden Globe Awards is a chance for us to show our appreciation, say thank you to all of them, and to look forward to many more years of working together to grow and develop netball.”