THE judges were impressed with the way these girls from Huddersfield Giants Netball Under 16 Team put so much time and effort back into their club to keep it going and inspire the younger players.
They have reached the England Netball national finals for the third year running and have only lost one match all season and that was to current national champions Leeds.
One of the girls, 16-year-old Lydia Walker has been selected for the England under 17 squad, while four others – Georgia Hamilton, Emily Hollingworth, Lia Liburd and Hollie Joyce – are all involved with the England development squads and pushing for selection.
Coach Lynda Fluskey has previously won the National Grassroots Coach title from England Netball.
But these girls and their parents put their heart and soul into the club and give a lot back.
Many of the girls volunteer to assist with coaching the younger players, umpiring games and helping with the administration and fundraising.
Team member Libby Cuttell said: “We are over the moon to win, especially as the other sports teams were really good. There was some really tough competition.
“Netball doesn’t win much, so it was great to win and hopefully it will raise the profile of the sport.
Coach Lynda added: “The parents have been brilliant as well.”
l The other nominees in this category, sponsored by Kirklees Stadium Development Limited, were Meltham All Blacks Under 16s rugby team and Armitage Bridge Cricket Club.
