Netball: Lifeblood of game set to be recognised

Dorothy Craighead has been nominated as a legendary netball volunteer. Photo / Christchurch Star

While netball fans will be glued to their television screens over the coming week, one viewer will be more interested than most in the fortunes of Casey Williams, Laura Langman and the rest of the Silver Ferns.

For more than 30 years, Hamilton's Margaret Kelly has been a volunteer at all levels of the game, leading to close contact with most of the stars of today, as well as helping to nurture the Ferns of tomorrow.

She remembers seeing a young Langman, barely out of primary school but already with the renowned energy to her game and trademark white socks, pulled up to mid-calf.

"I always said she would be a star," says Kelly. "Right from a very young age, she was so dedicated; if you told Laura to jump six feet in the air, she'd do it."

As well as being a coach and administrator, Kelly, a dressmaker by trade, has also made, repaired and altered hundreds of netball uniforms - mostly without charge - and proudly recalls altering dresses for Magic stars Irene van Dyk and Leana de Bruin.

"Irene came to the house to pick up her dress. She was very nice but unfortunately she didn't have time to have a cup of tea."

In a sport that depends heavily on volunteers, Kelly's efforts have stood out - and she has recently been nominated as a legendary netball volunteer, an initiative of New World, major sponsors of Netball New Zealand.

Kelly, 70 this year, became involved in 1981 and has spent many Saturdays at the courts. She has often organised catering for hundreds of people, with "industrial supplies" of filled rolls, meat dishes, muffins and the ubiquitous lamingtons.

"Some weeks, I have been baking from 8am every day, all week - though I also stop for afternoon tea," she laughs.

She loves the social aspect of her role, noting that the people seen every week become friends. She also delights in the fact that she has become like a second mother to many girls.

"Some of the ones I have coached or been involved with will still call me 'Mum', even though they might have their own families now. It has been an interesting transition to see - I used to make their netball uniforms, now I am making ball gowns or wedding dresses for the same people."

Netball is well served by those who give their time for the love of the game but Kelly says it shouldn't be taken for granted.

"Young people are not clamouring to do volunteer work," says Kelly. "It's a sign of the times - people don't have the time, or sometimes the inclination. But I won't be stopping any time soon - if you still can do it, why not?"

Netball New Zealand CEO Raelene Castle says the importance of volunteers cannot be underestimated. She estimates about 40,000 netball people nationwide give up their time on a weekly basis.

"The sport simply could not survive without these people," says Castle. "There are 91 netball centres around the country and around 140,00 players so all those people who assist are absolutely vital."

Castle says they are looking to add more flexibility in volunteering, so they can offer options that fit into the increasingly cluttered lifestyles of today.

Others nominated include Noelle Taka, a New Lynn mother of six who does everything from umpiring to uniforms. Another, Dorothy Craighead, a former coach of Julie Seymour, is now in her 80s but still heavily involved, particularly committed to encouraging the next batch of umpires.

The judges will also have to consider the story of a cancer survivor from Hamilton who spends her spare time running a primary school team, or a Taupo resident who makes a 110km round trip three times a week to coach, despite back problems.

Submissions for the awards close on August 29 and Kiwis can go online at www.newworld.co.nz/netball to nominate their own local netball heroes. Already more than 200 legends have been nominated this year. There are $50,000 worth of prizes to be won.