Sport
7 April, 2023
Life membership for netball stalwart
MARG Morgan has been rewarded for her unwavering support, work and dedication to promoting the game of netball over many decades with a Netball Victoria life membership.
A familiar face to many around the western district courts, Marg finds nothing more rewarding than seeing people of all ages and abilities enjoying the sport, and thriving at their own level.
Since the early 1960s, as a junior playing in Timboon, Marg has devoted her life to promoting the game and encouraging others to become involve and strive to be the best they can. “There is nothing more rewarding than watching players, coaches and umpires develop to their full potential,” Marg said.
“To see players progress through the ranks and then see their daughters, with just as much talent, come through and play in western region teams is so rewarding.
“In contrast to when I set out on my netball journey, there are so many pathways for people these days and I’m here to show players and parents all the opportunities that are available to enable them to be the best they can, no matter what level or what role they choose.”
Marg prides herself on being fair to all and treating everyone equally. “All I want is to see people enjoying netball, learning and progressing to the level they’re comfortable with. I earned my B badge (umpiring) but unfortunately a knee injury stopped me going any further.
Now, for me, it’s all about mentoring, coaching and educating.” Marg’s list of achievements and positions held, both on and off the netball court, is long and varied. From her early days playing for the Timboon Netball Club (against other town clubs such as Port Campbell, Princetown, Scott’s Creek, Simpson and Nirranda) through to leadership and administrative roles at Terang,
Marg has never been one to sit and delegate, preferring to take a more active role. “I became president at Terang in my early 20s and over the following 27 or 28 years a lot of my time was spent as president, vice-president, umpire or coaching coordinator; whatever role was needed I was happy to take it on,” she said.
“The friendships I’ve made over the years through netball are lifelong and I treasure each and every one of them. That’s the beauty of our game. “Creating opportunities is what it’s all about; opportunities for players, coaches and umpires. There are pathways available and we need to get those messages out there.”
With a clear objective of making netball enjoyable and accessible for all, Marg is also heavily involved in the coaching and running of the Warrnambool All Abilities team and the all abilities teams at a state level. “We currently have about 25 all-ability players at the Warrnambool stadium of a Monday night,” Marg said.
“Over the last six years Warrnambool City has had one or more girls in the state team for the Murray Little Shield; a national competition held annually.
“Last year Victoria was runners-up which was very exciting.”
Reflecting on her Netball Victoria life membership, Marg said while she was extremely surprised to be named a recipient, awards don’t sit well with her because “that’s not who I am or what I’m about.”
“I absolutely love what I do and do all I can to provide opportunities for everyone interested. “I’m very position about my role.” Marg will be officially handed her life membership award at Netball Victoria’s AGM in Melbourne on May 28.
