HELENSBURGH’S netball players are celebrating after they were chosen as the Club of the Year in the inaugural LiveArgyll Sport Awards.

Helensburgh Netball Club were one of three local winners named when the awards were announced last week – and chairperson Emma Frizzle says the news has, not surprisingly, left club members thrilled.

And Emma revealed that the accolade is not the first bestowed upon the club in recent weeks.

“We are, needless to say, over the moon to be named as LiveArgyll’s club of the year – hot on the heels of being awarded the esteemed Gold Thistle award for a second consecutive year by Netball Scotland, the only club in Scotland to receive such an accolade.

“To be recognised by our local community is a real honour and cements all of the hard work the committee puts in behind the scenes to ensure netball is accessible to women, young and old, in and around Helensburgh in a fun, sociable, inclusive and nurturing environment.

“We couldn’t be prouder.”

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In their citation, the judging panel said: “Helensburgh Netball Club aspires to make netball attainable, enjoyable and affordable to women and girls in the local area for those aged 14 and over and is run by volunteers.

“As holders of a well sought after and deserved Gold Thistle Award, Helensburgh Netball Club have proven themselves as a mature and well established volunteer led sports group with a commitment to offering a growing sport at all levels to women in the local Helensburgh community.

Emma and her team-mates won’t be the only local sporting figures honoured when the Helensburgh and Lomond winners are presented with their awards at a special ceremony in Helensburgh later this month.

Skye Evans, a pupil at Cardross Primary School, was named as the ‘Primary Young Leader’ award, for volunteer sport leaders under the age of 12, “for her commitment on her school’s sports council, leading and mentoring younger pupils and for encouraging her classmates to never give up”.

And Barry Cox was chosen by the judging panel as the ‘Service to Sport’ award winner for his work with Helensburgh Hockey Club.

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The judges said: “Barry has been playing hockey in Helensburgh for nearly 30 years. During that time he has been captain of the club, junior coach and treasurer.

“His role as treasurer for nearly 20 years is the reason the club is still going today, however, it was starting the junior hockey club that has had the biggest impact in the community.

“Barry started Helensburgh’s junior hockey club nearly 20 years ago and at its height it had over 100 children playing hockey each week as well as competing in local competitions.

“Barry is a vital player and experienced coach for everyone, from juniors all the way through to the senior figures at the club.”

When Barry joined the club, there was one men’s team, now the club has three full men’s teams and this is completely down to his persistence and encouragement of the junior side of the game.

“Without Barry, there would be no hockey in Helensburgh and the surrounding area.”

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