Members of Penrith Netball Club are ending 2021 on a high after being crowned Community Club of the Year in the Cumbria Sports Awards, organised by Active Cumbria.
The club was recognised for its commitment to providing quality sporting opportunities in the local area since the pandemic and in previous years.
The big announcement was first made by Cumbrian football star Georgia Stanway — who plays for Manchester City and England — live on BBC Radio Cumbria’s breakfast show. And now the club has been presented with the trophy.
Thanks went to Oliver Carswell, of Active Cumbria, who made the journey to present the award to junior members.
“This award is very special to Penrith Netball Club,” said a spokesman. “The impacts of the pandemic and the various lockdowns were huge.
“Prior to COVID, the club was facing declining membership and it almost folded.
“At its annual meeting in June, 2021, it was decided that the town’s Netball Now group would merge with the club. This brought a small group of new members to the adult section of the club and provided it with a new lease of life.
“A new committee was also elected, giving the club a fresh approach to its operations and promotion.
“As of December 1, membership has truly bounced back and increased to over 110 members — aged from 11 to 70-plus years old — drawing in players from all over the Eden Valley and beyond.
“It is a true community group which puts its members first, aided by a team of volunteers who give several hours of their time each week to ensure its continued success.
“The club is very active on social media and have amassed an ever-growing following of players, netball enthusiasts and fellow clubs locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
“The club is proud to be part of the wider netball community as well as part of the Cumbrian sporting landscape.”
