Three members of the Netball Family have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2025.
Maureen Clark and Sheelagh Redpath have been awarded MBEs (Member of the Order of the British Empire) and Patricia Neal has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to netball.
Maureen’s involvement in netball spans over 45 years, starting as a player before qualifying as a club coach and umpire.
She then took on roles in umpire tutoring and testing, and as a Super League table official at both Brunel and Surrey Storm.
In addition to these technical roles, Maureen has dedicated much of her time to administrating and promoting netball, serving on local league committees, the Surrey county committee and the London and South East Regional Board.
In recognition of her dedication and contributions, Maureen was awarded an England Netball Honorary Life Membership in 2018.
Sheelagh has volunteered in different roles within netball for over 50 years and worked for England Netball for 30 years.
From the community courts to the international stage, she has helped mould and develop the way the sport is umpired and officiated as well as empowering and supporting countless individuals on their own journeys.
This year, she was announced as the first ever President of Netball East, representing the region, its volunteers and championing the sport.
She was one of the first inductees into the England Netball Hall of Fame in 2001, is an England Netball Honorary Life Member and has several awards for grassroots officials named in her honour.
Patricia has volunteered in women’s sport for over 45 years and is a well-loved and key member of Birmingham Athletic Institute Netball Club (BAI).
She has dedicated countless hours coaching, organising teams, matches, umpires and venues, and serving as treasurer amongst other duties.
A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Patricia has transformed BAI into a welcoming space where women of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can belong, flourish and soar.
Her unwavering support has had a significant impact on mums returning to sport after childbirth, creating a safe and nurturing environment where their children can attend while they have the chance to exercise and reconnect with friends.
Celebrating the news, England Netball CEO Fran Connolly said: “I’m delighted to see Maureen, Sheelagh and Patricia recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for their exceptional contributions to netball and the wider community.
“Netball simply wouldn’t happen without the time, talent and expertise of volunteers, and the three of them truly embody the dedication, passion and leadership that make our sport thrive on and beyond the court.
“I’d like to thank them all for everything they’ve done and continue to do, and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”
Huge congratulations to Maureen, Sheelagh and Patricia, and thank you for your fantastic ongoing contributions to our sport.
