The volunteers who make the netball world go round

As you will know, the ONE Awards spotlight the amazing people who make netball happen, through varying roles like officiating, coaching, administration, supporting school netball activity, clubs and local leagues, or helping drive inclusion and reaching new audiences in netball.

Nominations have now closed for the 2026 regional awards, so you can look forward to the regional celebrations over the summer.

For 2026, England Netball refreshed the awards, with four main categories (although some regions had extra categories which were highlighted on the nomination form) and a simplified nominations process based on your feedback: Those four awards are:

• Special Recognition Award – recognises long-term impact, legacy and meaningful influence on the sport

• Rising Star Award – recognises emerging leaders making consistent, selfless contributions

• Outstanding Contribution Award – recognises individuals who go significantly above expectations

• Thriving Collective Award – recognises collaborative projects with strong shared impact

There are nine regional ONE Awards 2026 celebrations taking place across the country, celebrating nominees and culminating in the ONE Awards national event.

Phase 1 features the four categories that will be considered at a regional level and the winners from each of these categories will be invited to attend local celebrations in June and July.

Following these celebrations, winners from each category across the nine regions will be reviewed by a national panel and invited to a national event that will take place this autumn.

Volunteers are at the heart of netball, and recognising their contribution goes far beyond awards season. While the ONE Awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate those who give so much to the game, appreciation should be part of our everyday culture across the

Netball Family. Whether it’s a coach, official, organiser, scorer, or committee member, we all know someone who helps make netball happen, often quietly and behind the scenes, and a simple thank you can go a long way.

Community netball continues to thrive because of the time, energy, and commitment given by volunteers across the country. From running leagues and competitions to officiating matches and supporting players, volunteers have shaped the sport at every level. In fact, netball in England was led entirely by volunteers for its first 40 years, even though discussions about appointing a paid coach began as early as 1947. Over the past 60 years, England Netball has evolved through a strong partnership between volunteers and paid staff, helping guide the sport into the professional era we see today.

The contribution of volunteers has always been central to the growth of the game, and their impact continues to be recognised in different ways across the sport. To give some insight into how members of the Netball Family have been celebrated over the years, here are a few key milestones.

• 1969 – The First Torch Trophy Award for voluntary service to a netball club went to Susan Winterbottom (Staffordshire).

• 1970 – Ellen Marsh and Marion Wall (both from Lancashire) became the first holders of the Long Service Award, given for outstanding service of 25 years or more at county or regional levels.

• 1973 – Then President, Margaret Cassidy, was awarded the OBE in the Birthday Honours list for services to netball

• 1981 – Pat Taylor, AENA Chairman, was awarded the MBE. A special presentation was made to Mary Bulloch in recognition of 29 years as editor of the Netball magazine.

• 1990 – Colette Thomson, MBE, former England player and Assistant Coach, won the British Institute of Sports Coaches, Coach of the Year Award.

• 1992 – The AENA Rose Award was introduced, and awarded for a notable contribution to netball in any capacity.

• 1995 – Liz Broomhead, MBE England Senior Coach, was awarded the UK Coach of the Year Award.

• 2001 – The Hall of Fame was launched and volunteers were recognised as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations.

• 2005 – The Goalden Globes annual award scheme was introduced, with numerous categories for volunteer groups. The first awards event took place at Loughborough University.

• 2021 – In Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) England Netball introduced more digitally-focussed assets to help local organisations celebrate volunteers online, while International Youth Day celebrated

Young Volunteers.

• 2022 – The Goalden Globes was refreshed and called the ONE Awards.

• 2026 – A special year for the ONE Awards with our centenary celebrations.