Development Officer praises sport's diversity
On Friday, sweaty dresses and comfy trainers were traded for less sweaty dresses and uncomfortable heels - for the Island's annual Manx Netball Awards.
The night celebrates the end of the year's netball season, recognising volunteers, officials and players alike, whilst making friends out of teams who would normally be enemies on court.
Below is a list of the night's award winners:
Coach of the Year: Ashley Hall
Official of the Year: Kim Lamb
Club Administrator of the Year: Claire Belcher Smith
Unsung Hero of the Year: Amanda Butler
U21 Player of the Year: Rebecca Hempsall
21-40 Player of the Year: Rachel Johnstone
Veteran Player of the Year: Sue Webster
Team of the Year: Simcocks Red
Players of the Season:
Prem: Rachel Johnstone
Div 1: Sara Collister
Div 2: Alex Honor
Div 3: Vicki Corrin
Most Sporting Teams:
Prem: Simcocks Red
Div 1: Young Farmers
Div 2: Simcocks Gold
Div 3: Thompson 4 + Thompson 5
Away from the awards, Netball Development Officer Rachel Andrew believes recent growth and diversity in Island netball is worthy of equal celebration.
This year has seen the continued development of a plethora of leagues, ranging from the Mixed Business Summer League to grassroots level and the national squad, to name but a few.
She says: "membership this year has gone up to 674, and netball on the Isle of Man at the moment is growing exponentially, it's fantastic!"
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