WSA members Wales Netball and partner Hugh James collaborate to drive participation and equal opportunities
The Welsh Sports Association (WSA) is thrilled to see member organisation Wales Netball collaborate with partner Hugh James to drive participation and equal opportunity for women and girls.
Their partnership sees Hugh James become Wales Netball’s official Community Partner.
As well as driving participation and facilitating equal playing opportunities for women girls, the collaboration will support the Welsh Feathers ahead of the upcoming Netball World Cup in South Africa and contributes much needed funding that will go towards delivering a World Cup legacy project to increase participation across South Wales communities.
Based in Cardiff, WSA partners Hugh James will support Wales Netball’s Fit, Fun and Healthy camps, focused on tackling barriers to participation with free lunches and period products as well as bringing added equipment and coaching resources to communities in Wales.
The legacy initiative is also hoped to contribute to the growth of netball at the grassroots level as well as investing in future talent.
Welsh Feathers star Zoe Matthewman is a Paralegal at Hugh James and will be heading to Cape Twon for the World Cup this month.
“The Netball World Cup will offer a wonderful opportunity to introduce the sport to new players and fans, and I’m incredibly proud to be involved,” she said.
“Netball is my utmost passion, and I am so grateful for the backing of my employer, Hugh James. Discovering their new community partnership with Wales Netball is an added bonus, and I hope I can engage in the legacy project to inspire and improve participation throughout South Wales.”
Wales Netball CEO Vicki Sutton commented that the organisation is “thrilled to have such a supportive partner in Hugh James.
“In a climate where many people just talk about women’s sport in a positive manner, it is wonderful to have a firm actually invest in what we are doing and truly show their support,” she said. “The fact that Hugh James are interested in both Performance and Participation Netball is such a welcome sight and will really allow us to make meaningful impact in both pathways”.
Director of Business Development and Marketing at Hugh James, Joe Purcell added that the firm is “thrilled to be working with Wales Netball to support their upcoming World Cup and their inclusive legacy project beyond. The Fit, Fun and Healthy initiative addresses the real challenges families face when accessing extracurricular sports for young girls. The project will help deliver an important community impact in South Wales, where our firm is headquartered, and many of our employees call home.”
WSA CEO Andrew Howard stated:
“It’s wonderful to see such a positive collaboration between one of our member organisations and one of our partners.
“The WSA would like to celebrate this partnership, which will promote and facilitate participation, develop netball and, by using the power of sport, it aims to tackle some of the social barriers to accessing sport. This will have a significant impact for future generations beyond an exciting World Cup campaign this summer!
“It’s vital that women and girls are able to participate in safe and supportive environments, which is why this collaboration is so important, and so fantastic to see.”
