Liverpool City Region scoops four awards in national netball awards ceremony

Sports leaders and players from Liverpool City Region have scooped four out of 12 awards in the England Netball One Awards.

They say the national accolades highlight the dedication and excellence of everyone within the local netball community, as well as the growth and development of the sport across communities.

* Ellie Taylor from Phoenix Netball Club in Liverpool was honoured as Young Volunteer of the Year for her exceptional commitment to supporting netball initiatives and inspiring young players. They said her passion for the sport and willingness to give back exemplify the spirit of volunteering that drives netball forward.

* Leanne Hobin, founder of St Helens Bees Netball Club, was named Pioneer of the Year, recognising her innovative contributions to the sport. Leanne’s efforts were said to have not only advanced coaching methods but to have fostered greater inclusivity and engagement in netball for junior players across the region.

* Jenny Taylor, chair of North West Netball and co-founder of Empire Netball Club in Sefton, was celebrated for her Outstanding Contribution to Netball. Her long-standing dedication to the sport, through coaching and community involvement has left a lasting mark, inspiring countless players and volunteers.

* Penketh Panthers Netball Club from Warrington was named National Club of the Year, a testament to their excellence in player development and community engagement. The club’s commitment to fostering talent and promoting a vibrant netball culture was praised for setting a benchmark for clubs nationwide.

Louise Moss, from England Netball, who’s also Merseyside Netball Development Officer, says:

“These awards go to show how incredible our clubs and volunteers are.

“I am so pleased that the rest of the country has been able to witness how hard our volunteers work to ensure that netball can thrive in the region.”

Netball Awards - Liverpool City Region scoops 4 awards — Ellie Taylor

Leanne Hobin, who founded St Helens Bees Netball Club in 2021 to help Merseyside compete with other regions across the north west, explains:

“We have been going for three years now and started with 48 girls and now we have 117!

“We have mentored numerous adult and junior volunteers through coaching qualifications, and we are going from strength to strength which is fantastic! I’m super proud of the club.

“It’s not just about developing netball players but giving young girls all the advantages of taking part in a team sport, from learning life lessons, to supporting friendships, fitness, and mental health.”

“Netball in general is thriving across the north west and these awards can only boost what has already been built.

“Louise Moss is amazing and works so hard in the Merseyside area to make sure netball is accessible to anyone and everyone. For me personally this recognition is testament to everyone involved in our club, from coaches to committee members, to volunteers and our little bees.

“We have all created something special that has a lasting impact but is now also recognised nationally. I set out to grow the sport across the St Helens borough but also further afield and I feel we have done this.

“It’s a really proud moment for me personally but also for the whole club and netball community, highlighting the vital role of sport in fostering social connections, improving physical health in young girls, but also empowerment!”