The Huddersfield Netball League’s annual tournament is being renamed the Maureen Kelly Memorial Tournament.
Maureen was a much-loved and valued member of the Huddersfield and West Yorkshire netball communities but, unfortunately, this year lost her battle against breast cancer.
She spent much of her life dedicated to netball, through either playing, umpiring or coaching many teams in Huddersfield including Brook Motors, Blakes and Sands House (now Kelly’s Heroes).
She also spent many years volunteering on the Huddersfield and West Yorkshire League committees, organising fixtures and contributing to the growth of the game in the area.
All her hard work and commitment resulted in her being awarded the Goalden Globe award for 25 years service to netball.
It’s a combination of these reasons that the tournament is being re-named, so that through the legacy everyone involved in netball in Huddersfield will remember her and her contribution.
Netball is the largest female participation sport in the UK and is increasing in popularity all the time with initiatives such as Back to Netball.
There is increased TV coverage and, of course, the England team are coming to Huddersfield to warm up for the World Cup in Australia – playing at the university on Saturday July 11.
Netball has evolved over the last 10 years into a much faster, physical game – resulting in increased popularity as a spectator sport.
The Maureen Kelly Memorial Tournament will be held in Greenhead Park on Sunday, June 21, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
Teams from all four Huddersfield divisions will compete against each other in the event, with Trophy and Plate winners, and it promises to be a highly-competitive but fun day for both players and spectators.
There will be a few additional events this year, organised by the team Maureen used to play for – Kelly’s Heroes – including a raffle with prizes donated by local companies, T-shirts being sold and balloons being released.
All money raised will go to Cancer Research.
Any companies who would like to contribute to the raffle should contact Suzanne Henderson of Kelly’s Heroes at suzannela@btinternet.com
