Empowering Health Through Gentle Movement and Community

2-MINUTE READ

Background

Telford Netball Club is a thriving community club offering opportunities for players of all ages to participate, develop, and compete. As the club continued to grow, the committee recognised the need to strengthen its welfare provision and ensure its coaching practices remained up to date and inclusive. The club also wanted to empower its younger members by capturing Youth Voice - giving players an active role in shaping their club’s future.

How Energize Got Involved

The club reached out to us for support in reviewing and enhancing its approach to welfare and coaching. Leah, Energize STW’s Sport Welfare Manager, met with the committee to explore development opportunities, provide guidance, and identify relevant training and resources.

We supported the club to:

• Review and update its Code of Conduct for coaches, officials, and volunteers

• Define and strengthen the roles of Safeguarding and Welfare Officers

• Access welfare resources to help make these officers visible and approachable

• Plan further training, including the Time to Listen Welfare Officer course

• Collaborate with England Netball for additional expertise and guidance.

What Happened

A Youth Voice session was delivered in September for players across the under-11 to under-21 teams. Working closely with Club Chair, Denise Westwood, Leah helped design age-appropriate questions to capture meaningful feedback on coaching experiences, club operations, and players’ aspirations.

The club also introduced a stronger welfare structure, appointing multiple Club Welfare Officers and providing them with clear responsibilities and ongoing development opportunities.

Pictured below are recently appointed Club Welfare Officers receiving items from Energize STW to support them in their role.

The Impact

The collaboration has had a transformative  effect on Telford Netball Club. The committee and coaches now have a clearer understanding of welfare responsibilities, while players know who to approach for support. The introduction of Youth Voice has empowered members to help shape the club’s direction, leading to more inclusive decision-making and stronger relationships between coaches and players.

As Club Chair Denise Westwood shared:

“The discussions with Energize STW helped change the way the club viewed safeguarding and introduced a welfare element to the club too. We now have three safeguarding officers and three welfare officers. Energize STW has also guided us towards training and forums to strengthen our knowledge. With support from Leah, we’ve conducted a voice of the child survey to better understand our players’ needs, and we’re planning to do it again mid-season to continue improving.”

Telford Netball Club looks forward to building on these foundations, continuing to work with Energize STW to maintain a safe, supportive, and player-led environment for everyone involved.