End of an era for Loughborough Netball

Loughborough Town Netball League (LTNL) will never be the same again, as local legend Sue Jones has retired.

Sue has been on the LTNL committee for 40 years, becoming chair in 1994.

Many ladies have served alongside Sue throughout her years on the committee. However, hundreds of players (and their offspring) have played with or against, or been umpired by Sue during this time. As one child said recently: "Where's that lady that lives at the Leisure Centre?" Loughborough Leisure Centre was Sue's second home on a Saturday.

Elaine Spary, newly elected chair of the LTNL said: "Sue has always led by example. The smooth running of the league has always been Sue's top priorities, over almost everything else. Words like dedication and devotion are overused these days, but not in Sue's case. She has shown enormous dedication to both the league and Shepshed Netball Club.

"Sue has always genuinely cared about making everyone's netball experience the best it could be through the years. Never afraid of standing up against behaviour not tolerated in the league, whether from teams, individuals or even spectators, when Sue walked into the leisure centre, everyone knew to be on their best behaviour!"

Speaking of her retirement, Sue said: "I have loved every minute serving Loughborough Netball and being part of Shepshed Netball Club. The league and committee are in a good place, so I feel now is the right time to step aside and let others run things. My final game, committee meeting and AGM were all incredibly emotional, and I have been overwhelmed by the gifts and good wishes from so many players and clubs. I wish LTNL all the very best for the future and, who knows, I may be back one Saturday to make sure bags are on the floor and bums are on seats!"

Elaine continued: "Sue's legacy is a strong, competitive league that will continue to flourish. She has been an inspiration to hundreds of people – who else do you know at the age of 71 that can play and umpire twice on a Saturday, and fulfil her committee duties?"

Sue has been given the honorary position of LTNL President, so the league can continue to benefit from Sue's wealth of knowledge and experience.

If you would like to find out more about netball in Loughborough, visit www.facebook.com/LoughboroughNetball or www.ltnl.co.uk

Image: New LTNL Chair, Elaine Spary (L) with Sue after her last match as Chair.