10. NETBALL: Sapphires coach lauded for work with juniors

What? Goalden Globes 2018

When? June 02

Where? Renaissance Hotel, Manchester

Lauren Watson, a volunteer at Northwich Sapphires Netball Club, admits she didn’t expect her name to be read out.

It was, and she deservedly received a prize for Grassroots Coach of the Year at a Goalden Globes ceremony hosted by North West Netball in June.

She had been nominated by her husband, Mike, who wanted to make the judges aware of just how much time and effort she puts into giving girls in Northwich an opportunity to play a sport she loves.

He made a persuasive case.

“Lauren’s enthusiasm and commitment knows no bounds,” said Imogen Greatbatch, regional chair, who hosted the event in Manchester.

How we reported it: Sapphires coach wins award for work with juniors

How we Tweeted it:

How they Tweeted it: 

Our sports writer remembers:

“First, a confession; I do have a fondness of Northwich Sapphires – a club that represents, for me anyway, everything that is good and uplifting about grassroots sport.

“Lauren, with support from a vibrant and passionate committee it must be stressed, is an individual who embodies that perfectly.

“I read with interest all of the messages sent to her on social media the day after the awards ceremony, and they encapsulated beautifully the high regard in which she is held by fellow coaches, the players she coaches and their parents.

“I called her, and knew she’d say she didn’t expect to win.

“Of course, that’s precisely why she did; coaches like Lauren aren’t motivated by the prospect of winning awards – they just want youngsters to have an experience of sport that is fun and inspiring.”

Northwich Guardian:

Coach Lauren Watson, centre, with girls from Grange School's under 14s team ahead of their trip to play in the English National Schools' Finals at Stanborough School, in Hertfordshire