Netball volunteers across Victoria have been recognised for their hard work and dedication to the sport during National Volunteer Week, which celebrated the ‘Change Makers’ that keep local clubs, associations and communities thriving.
One of those volunteers is Sheridan Willrath. A mother of four, Sheridan balances her family life, career, and tertiary studies with her roles at both Edithvale Netball Club and Chelsea District Netball Association.
“I am someone who wants to make a difference in the community, and I always put my hand up to help,” she said.
“I choose to focus my volunteer time on areas I am passionate about and where my skills can help the community.”
A driving force in her club, she spearheaded the implementation of the new child safety standards, ensuring the club had made the necessary updates in line with the code of conduct as soon as they possibly could.
Described by her peers as a “true and inspiring leader”, Sheridan leads by example; eager to support the participation of children and engage with her own kids, she coaches two Under 13 teams and the Woolworths NetSetGO teams.
Her experience as both a mother and player inspired her to get involved with NetSetGO and has led to a record number of participants at her club, an achievement Sheridan finds truly inspiring.
“I knew with my older children that there are many siblings at training and others keen to learn the skills of netball before they are eligible to play,” she said.
“I’m excited about all these new kids starting netball and assisting with their development whilst making it enjoyable and rewarding.”
The success of NetSetGO at the club is also beginning to flow through to improvements on court. Two of Sheridan’s teams made it all the way to the grand final, and marked her first grand final coaching experience.
“Thinking about how much each player had improved and performed and being part of that is incredibly rewarding,” Sheridan said.
“The wins were a bonus – getting there was the real achievement.”
Ever focussed on the next generation, Sheridan is full of praise for the younger volunteers at Edithvale who have created such strong connections to the club and continue to be positive role models for the younger players.
She also credits the volunteers who dedicate their time and effort on the club’s committee for the continued support of the children who come through the club, and the wider community.
“Such commitment involves making sacrifices and I hope all volunteers realise their contribution is important and valued.”
*****
Susan Beardsley, president of Blackburn South Netball Club, has been involved in the sport for 35 years. Beginning her journey as a player in primary school, she made her way through the Netball Victoria pathway, playing State League (now the Victorian Netball League) for Melbourne University Lightning. She has been a coach for several years, and has passed down her passion for netball to her daughter.
Leading a new committee and facing the challenge of rebuilding participation levels after the pandemic, Susan has built a club which has become known for its positive influence over the Blackburn and wider communities.
“I find it incredibly fulfilling to be able to contribute to the growth and development of the sport within my community. Being able to witness the passion and dedication of our players, coaches, and supporters is inspiring,” Susan said.
Identifying a gap in the player pathway at Blackburn South, Susan reached out to local netball specialists to assist with the introduction of a specialist training program for their senior players.
“Recognising the importance of providing our developing players with solid training and development opportunities, we sought to collaborate with netball specialists Rob and Lauren Nardelli,” Susan said.
“Their specialised training sessions focus on key aspects of netball, including technique, strategy and fitness. We’re looking forward to rolling these sessions out to all members of the club.”
This new training opportunity was also supported by a rigorous new grading system to ensure players were placed in teams that aligned with their abilities, creating balanced and competitive teams.
A master of organisation, Susan balances the sporting commitments of three children under 14 years of age alongside the demands of her small business. She is a fierce advocate for volunteerism, and credits her committee and the wider community with enabling her to create the positive culture at Blackburn South.
“Collaborating with fellow committee and club grading members, coaches, and volunteers allows me to build strong relationships and create a sense of camaraderie within the club,” she said.
*****
Amanda Azzopardi has also made a significant impact on the players who have come through her club. Amanda is one of nine women who dedicate their time to the Sunbury Netball Association committee, in a tight-knit community where the association is run purely by volunteers.
A member of the Sunbury community for 42 years, Amanda began as a player at seven years old, then becoming a coach and donating her time and experience to developing up-and-coming umpires. Though always inspired by the next generation of netballers, it is Amanda’s sisters who she credits for her journey in netball.
A dedicated coach with a pure love for the game, her success as a coach is something of which she is enormously proud. But it is the friendships created and love for the sport that Amanda lists as one of her greatest achievements.
“When I coached the 17&U representative side for Sunbury the girls went on to compete at State Titles after their success at Association Championships, a great result for a small association,” she said.
“The girls are now in their early thirties, with most still enjoying the game and the friendships gained from playing netball.”
Now running the representative program at Sunbury NA, Amanda is described as someone who steps up to every occasion, and is constantly looking for new and innovative ways to grow participation and instil a love for the sport in her community.
“I always enjoy seeing the improved skill level players gain from participating in representative programs, but also love to develop a passion for the game,” she said.
Find out how you could begin your volunteering journey in netball
