Louise ask questions about her C Award Journey

Louise Hurst is our latest Umpire to pass her C Award. Here she tells us a little about her experience of qualifying and what’s next.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I work for KP Snacks as a Planner and I’m a diehard NUFC and Netball fan.
I have a beautiful 4 year old blue staffy and the most amazing fiancé in Michael.
We get married in October. Eeeeek.

Why Netball?
I started playing netball 6 years ago, for the first time since school.
A Back to Netball session started in Stanley and shortly after we managed to turn it into a netball club.
I love playing netball and the main reason I started playing again, was to help me find a way to control my mental health and learn ways of dealing with my anxiety.
When I play netball, I think of nothing else other than Netball, I highly recommend it.

How have you found the process of becoming qualified?
Absolutely fantastic, I have had great support from the county and my club, finding me mentors and supporting me. Even with my anxiety I have managed to get through my C award in less than a year, so thank you to all involved.

What next?
I have recently undertaken the course for the B Award and will spend the next year or two concentrating on that.

What advice would give to anyone interested in becoming an umpire?
Do It! It is scary at first, but then very rewarding, and of course the payments help ha. North Durham County will give you great support throughout.

If Louise has inspired you to think about completing your C award you can find out more here;
https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/make-the-game/officiating/officiating-courses/