AS Wellington Netball Club prepares for the upcoming season, they are excited to reflect on the successes of last year.
The juniors enjoyed an outstanding season and the club reorganised their Bees into age-related groups, improving player development and allowing for more focused coaching.
Wellington's Under 16 and Under 14 teams joined Somerset County Netball, competing at a higher level, while the Under 12 team proudly represented the club at the Somerset end-of-season competition.
Beyond the matches, the juniors had a busy off-court schedule. The club ran Easter holiday camps for both the Bees and the junior teams and hosted their first-ever awards event to celebrate the players' individual and team achievements.
A successful fundraiser at the start of the season covered county netball entry fees and umpiring costs, meaning no match fees were needed. Wellington also welcomed their first DBS-checked parent volunteer to support the juniors.
Additionally, trips to Bath Netball for the Bees and the Serena Guthrie event for the juniors were subsidized by the fundraiser, giving the players a chance to witness top-level netball in action.
The seniors also enjoyed a memorable season. Wellington fielded four teams in the SASP social league, and four junior players were given the opportunity to gain valuable experience in senior netball during the spring league.
The club’s veteran team also made a strong showing, reaching the semi-finals of the Somerset County Net Vets competition.
Off the court, the seniors enjoyed a successful open evening, followed by an end-of-season party. The summer fun continued with a summer league and extra fitness sessions, while friendly matches and a members’ questionnaire rounded off a productive year.
The club’s efforts were recognised with four nominations at this year’s ONE Awards, a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved.
Wellington also continued their community outreach by supporting three local schools with their netball programs. In addition, the club funded the qualification of Mel Ayres as a Level 1 coach and helped one of their under-sixteen players begin their umpiring journey.
Looking ahead, Wellington Netball Club has exciting plans for the new season. With new initiatives aimed at enhancing player development and strengthening ties with the community, the club is looking forward to a successful year.
The Under 16 team is fully booked, but there are still spaces available for seniors. The club extends their gratitude to their three long-standing sponsors, who are continuing their support for the third year running. Mount Vets remains the club’s main sponsor, Somerset Motorhomes sponsors the Junior Squad, and Seasons Ecology proudly supports the Netball Bees.
The club is eager to build on last year’s achievements and looks forward to another fantastic season ahead.