Cooperative NSL Awards!
17th April 2009

Mavericks certainly enjoyed the awards evening held at the Birmingham ICC last Friday. All the players were dressed to impress and Ingrid quipped that this was the first time that she had seen them all in less than 100% lycra! The success of our Runners-Up 2009 squad was clear as players appeared in numerous categories, Karen Atkinson, Ella Clark and Naida Hutchinson.

A whole host of partners were linked to the prestigious awards, Mitre, Birmingham City Countil, Playface, Netball Pod etc and for each on there was a montage presented on the front screen so that everybody could recognise the accomplishment of being nominated. It also allowed the franchises to cheer when their players appeared.

Birmingham City Council Players Player of the Year Award:
Jade Clarke
(Loughborough Lightning)

Playface Rookie of the Year:
Ella Clark
(Mavericks)

The Co-operative Community Award:
Northern Thunder

The Lucozade Sport Chairmans Award:
Karen Atkinson
(Mavericks)

Netball Pod Volunteer of the Year:
Liz Bloor
(Team Bath)

England Netball Umpire of the Year:
Tracy Smith

Televideo Coach of the Year:
Denise Holland
(Glasgow Wildcats)

Kukri Player of the Year:
Pam Cookey (Team Bath)

The (unconfirmed) Dream Team was GK> Eboni Beckford Chambers (Team Bath), GD> Sonia Mkoloma (Brunel Hurricanes), WD> Sara Bayman (Team Bath), C> Jade Clarke (Loughborough Lightning, WA> GA> Pam Cookey (Team Bath), GS> Jo Harten (Loughborough Lightning). As well as being the birthday girl, Naida was nominated for the prestigiour Kukri Player of the Year Award. Kendra was also nominated for Coach of the Year.

Ingrid did a great job leading the evening and was particularly professional when there were comments from the crowd (Amanda Newton...) as the people who were present were asked a few short questions. It was a shame that more of the nominees and successful athletes were not present but due to ANZ and other reasons their absence could not be helped. There is no doubt that this event was bigger and better than last year and the prediction is that it will continue to grow. The ICC is a lovely venue and the people present including staff from franchises, magazines, Co-operative and England Netball all made it a fun event.

Luckily there are no photo's of the performances on the dance floor... but we hear that quite a few players went on to party the night away in Birmingham city centre having some well earned social time after a hectic and successful season.

by Jo Munnion

England Netball Article