BCNA VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2025

We were delighted to welcome everyone to our Netball Awards Presentation, where nominees and nominators for the various County Volunteer Awards came together to celebrate the outstanding contributions made across Bedfordshire.

Our County Chair, Trish Neill, opened the event with a warm welcome to all attendees, and expressed her gratitude to our County President, Alison Brightman, for joining us.  Trish shared that this was her first year in the role, and she had been told that being part of this special occasion would be one of the most rewarding aspects of the position – and it certainly lived up to that promise.  She enjoyed meeting new people, congratulating recipients, and recognising he incredible impact our volunteers make across the country.  She reminded us that volunteers are truly the cornerstone of our sport.  Without their commitment, energy, and passion, netball simply could not function. 

The judging panel faced an extremely difficult task, with all nominations being truly worthy of recognition.  We are fortunate in Bedfordshire to have such a dedicated and inspiring volunteer community and this event was a wonderful opportunity to show our appreciation.

During the presentation, the criterial for each award was read out, along with the announcement of the winning nominee.  Our President then presented each award, followed by a photograph to capture the special moment.

Congratulations to all our award recipients:

The following members were presented with an Award in the various Bedfordshire County Volunteer Awards for 2025

The Bedfordshire Young Volunteer Award:                                      

Winner:  Caitlyn Knight

The Bedfordshire Children & Young person coach                           

Winner: Sue Williams

The Bedfordshire Adult Coach                                                          

Winner:  Nicky Knight

The Bedfordshire County Grassroots Officials Award:                      

Winner: Sue Davis

The Bedfordshire County Grassroots Volunteer Award:                   

Winner: Jess Baird

The Bedfordshire County Unsung Hero Award:                    

Winner: Katherine Gallagher

The Bedfordshire Teacher of the Year:                                 

Winner:  Daniel Day & Leigh Moreno

The Bedfordshire County Club of the Year Award:

Winner: Maulden Netball Club

The next Award presented was the Bedfordshire County Long Service Award for 2025, this Award recognises the contribution of a volunteer who has used their invaluable experience to give outstanding service for 15 year or more within the County. 

The following member was awarded the Bedfordshire County Long Service Award: Heather Pollard

Our final two Awards are presented in honour of two exceptional past Bedfordshire County Netball members, the Nancy Morris Trophy and Sylvia Eastley Trophy.

The winner of The Nancy Morris Trophy 2025 is:     Grace Milligan

The winner of the Sylvia Eastley Trophy 2025 is:      Jeanette Johnson

Two award recipients were not able to attend, and their Awards will be presented to them at the County AGM on 3rd July 2025 and The Schools AGM June 2nd 2025.

Trish finished by congratulating all the volunteer recipients today, winners and nominees, and a special thank you also to those of you here who completed and sent in nominations and thank you again to Alison for joining us today.