Yorkshire Netball ONE Awards Winners 2025

Congratulation to all individuals and clubs nominated for a ONE Award – we’re proud of all our volunteers delivering Netball across Yorkshire.

2025 Yorkshire ONE Award Winners

The Yorkshire Netball ONE Awards, in partnership with the NIC Leeds Rhinos end of season awards, were held on Saturday 26 July at Headingly Stadium, with over 200 people attending.

The ONE Awards spotlight the incredible people who generously dedicate their time to make Netball happen across the Yorkshire region.

The winners from each category across the 9 regions will be reviewed by a national panel, led by England Netball President Joan Mills, and invited to a national event that will take place in autumn 2025.

We are pleased to announce the following winners:

Club of the Year

This award is presented to a Netball club who has made an outstanding contribution within their community, beyond simply delivering Netball performances on court. 

Winner: Sherburn Netball Club

 

"Sherburn Netball Club has achieved remarkable growth and community impact in its 20+ year history. For the 24/25 season, they expanded to six senior teams and four junior teams, ensuring players of all ages compete at the right level. To bridge the gap between junior and adult play, they created a dedicated U19s session and team, achieving an impressive near-100% retention rate for 16–18 year-olds. Their bursary scheme removes financial barriers to coaching and umpiring courses, and their strong mentorship programme develops young leaders as respected captains. With growing parent and community support, their presence has flourished through local partnerships, successful funding bids like a £1,000 Tesco grant, and even securing a new outdoor court."

 

Coach of the Year (Adults) 

This award recognises a coach who has made an outstanding contribution to community Netball players, in environments with players over 18. 

Winner: Tayler Wilkinson

 

“Tayler places every player at the heart of her coaching, designing sessions around individual and team needs to support each athlete’s goals and growth. Her dynamic, high-energy style keeps players constantly engaged and learning through purposeful, game-relevant activities. She actively involves athletes in decision-making and goal-setting, helping them take ownership of their development while building confidence and resilience. Tayler fosters a positive learning culture where players feel valued, motivated, and inspired to excel.”

 

Coach of the Year (Children & Young People)

This award recognises a coach who has made an outstanding contribution to community Netball players in environments with players under 18. 

Winner: Zoe Young

 

“Zoe joined Birkenshaw Bells in 2019 and 6 years on is now Head Coach with several qualifications under her belt. She has grown the club from 5 to 10 junior teams and added 2 inclusive development sessions for new and non-competitive players. Zoe ensures safe, fun coaching for ages 8+ while challenging performance players. Zoe’s positive coaching empowers girls to stay active and confident throughout their teenage years.”

 

Community Official of the Year

This award is named after Sheelagh Redpath, a long standing international umpire who worked for England Netball for 30 years. The award recognises an individual who makes a consistent contribution to community officiating. 

Winner: Jackie Cork

 

"Jackie is an outstanding and humble officiating mentor whose dedication has shaped the development of officials across West Yorkshire. With an exceptional B award pass rate in just one season, Jackie’s high-quality mentoring and assessing have directly contributed to over 80% of qualified umpires in the league, ensuring strong officiating for senior, junior, and regional fixtures. She supports officials at every level and continues to guide them even after they qualify. In a region with few accomplished mentors, Jackie’s tireless commitment, expertise, and influence keep the game running smoothly and inspire the next generation of officials.”

 

Inclusion Award

This is given to an individual or club who work hard to ensure that Netball is a sport for everyone. 

Winner: Craig Wilkinson

 

“Craig is transforming inclusion in Netball by introducing the sport to 5 WAYS, a community supporting people in recovery from alcohol and drug issues. He has created safe, welcoming sessions that break down stigma and build confidence for participants who never thought Netball was for them. Craig’s compassionate, person-centred coaching helps individuals rebuild trust in themselves and others, using Netball as a powerful tool for recovery and connection. Beyond this, Craig has forged strong partnerships with recovery and prevention services, including linking with Newhall Prison’s programme to support women leaving custody, and is working to introduce women’s sport into the Recovery Games. His dedication shows that Netball is truly for everyone, empowering people who once felt excluded to take part, belong, and flourish.”

 

Outstanding Contribution of the Year

This award was established in memory of Mary Bullock, who tirelessly developed our sport in many roles including Editor of the All England Netball Association magazine from 1952 - 1981. The outstanding contribution of the year award recognises someone who has shown significant commitment to developing players and volunteers, as well as inspiring and motivating those around them, promoting and celebrating difference. 

Winner: Laura Sydney

 

“Laura has made an incredible contribution to Netball in Doncaster and beyond, organising, umpiring and running leagues for everyone from beginners to senior players. She hosts coaching sessions, fun mixed Netball, charity tournaments and was behind Doncaster’s first mixed sessions, which sparked a new mixed league in the area. Laura’s dedication extends to volunteering for Leeds Rhinos Netball and creating social events that give the community a chance to celebrate the sport together. Her straight-talking, supportive approach inspires players of all ages and levels to get involved, stay active and enjoy Netball. Thousands have benefited from Laura’s time, kindness and passion — she truly embodies the heart of Yorkshire Netball.”

 

Pioneer of the Year

This award was established in 1980 by England Netball in memory of committed Netball volunteer Muriel McNally. The Pioneer of the Year innovates, experiments and tests new ideas in Netball. 

Winner: Amy Stewart

 

“Amy has transformed Netball in her community by creating a thriving Back to Netball movement that welcomes people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Amy’s dedication, positivity, and encouragement have helped countless women stick with the sport, even when they felt like giving up. Through her tireless effort, participation has grown to over 100 players, with over 30 players now competing in county leagues. Alongside her full-time job, Amy organises charity events, family days, and social activities that strengthen bonds and keep people engaged. She also runs 11 local leagues and regularly umpires. Amy’s commitment and passion have turned Netball into a vital part of the community’s social and physical well-being, giving people a place to laugh, learn, and belong.”

 

Teacher of the Year

This award recognises a teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to Netball through delivery in education beyond the expectations of their job as a teacher. 

Winner: Janine Gibbons

 

“Janine has made an outstanding impact on post-16 Netball in York, engaging over 100 students through competitions, festivals and activities for those not in clubs or elite pathways. Her leadership has helped colleges embed Netball into enrichment programmes and enter national competitions. Janine has strengthened the pathway from youth to adult Netball.”

 

Unsung Hero of the Year (in a league or club)

This recognises someone who has volunteered in any capacity, who has made a significant difference to the club or league in their community. 

 Winner: Lynn Hepworth

 

“Lynn devotes countless hours each week to managing a league that supports up to 400 players. She oversees match administration, registers new players, encourages umpiring, sources officials and often steps in to umpire herself last minute. Her commitment is so strong that she has even come out of retirement to throw on a wing attack bib when her team is in need. She has unwavering dedication and passion for Netball.”

 

Young Volunteer of the Year

This award is given to a volunteer aged between 12 and 25, who is a positive role model and inspires the Netball community. 

Winner: Lexie Harrison

 

“Lexie has been a dedicated junior coach with Sheffield Concord’s Net4All section since age 14, supporting players with learning disabilities since 2021. Lexie played a key role in growing the group of players, offering one-to-one support, coaching tactics and providing encouragement during and after covid restrictions. She has also accompanied teams to ParaNetball Championships, where her motivation and support have been invaluable.”