Penrith Netball Club have scooped the award for Community Club of the Year at this year’s North West ONE Awards, held near Wigan on 12 July. These awards, run by England Netball and their nine regional management boards, celebrate the achievements of netball volunteers across the country. The initial stages are held at regional level, and it is here that Penrith NC have come away as winners.
The Community Club of the Year award aims to recognise clubs that have made an outstanding contribution and a positive impact within their community over the past two years. For Penrith NC, this impact was clear in their award nominations which highlighted the club’s fundraising raffle and tournament. The event, held in September 2024, raised just over £2,700 in aid of Beep Doctors, in memory of Nichola Jackson, a member of the club who passed away suddenly in March 2024. Four club members travelled to the awards and, as part of the winner’s announcement, they were surprised with a video from Dr Theo Weston of Beep Doctors who shone a light on how the funds were used to support the organisation’s life-saving work across Cumbria.
Similarly highlighted by NW Netball Vice Chair Phil Owen was the strength of Penrith NC’s Bee Netball and junior sections which have grown hugely over the past two years. The club have also introduced new Summer Sessions, returning for a second year on 14th and 15th August. These sessions provide the opportunity for new and current players, aged 6 to 14, to enjoy the sport during the school holidays, outside of the club’s regular sessions.
Upon accepting the trophy, club chair Caroline Tyson expressed that this award is “not just recognition for us, but for what everybody in Cumbria is doing.” Speaking after the event, she thanked all members of the club, as well as parents, coaches, umpires, and wider supporters, stating that, “It takes more than a committee to run a club, and this award is a testament to the community we collectively continue to build each year.”
Penrith NC progresses to the national ONE Awards in October to be judged alongside winners from the other eight regions and hopefully take home the national Community Club of the Year award.
