New sports courts honour local netball legend

A netball coach, Val Kennedy, has expressed her amazement and humility at a newly named community sports facility being dedicated to her. Kennedy, a member of Haxby Netball Club for over four decades, has played a pivotal role in introducing generations of women and girls to the sport. Alongside Haxby Runners, Haxby Town FC, and Haxby Town JFC, the netball team will now utilize a modern, accessible multi-sport facility at Ethel Ward Playing Fields.

This facility aims to encourage people of all ages to engage in physical activity. Kennedy has been deeply involved with Haxby Netball Club since its establishment in 1980, serving as chair until 2022 and mentoring numerous netball umpires to obtain their England Netball qualifications. Her passion for the sport dates back to her school days when she first fell in love with netball at the age of ten.

Kennedy's dedication to the sport and her community was celebrated during the official opening of the Val Kennedy Courts on Saturday. The coach emphasized her joy in passing on her love for the game and empowering others through the experience of being part of a team. The opening event recognized her invaluable contributions to Haxby Netball Club and the wider community.

Marion Willis, the current chair of Haxby Netball Club, expressed excitement about the club's future, highlighting the renewed purpose of the court. Val Kennedy's 40-plus years of service to women and girls in netball have left an indelible mark on Haxby and York. The Val Kennedy Courts, named in her honor, symbolize the power of community collaboration and represent a significant milestone for the club and its members.

York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith officiated the opening, praising the courts as a secure space for future generations to participate in various sports, not just netball.