Patricia Neal (Pat), longstanding member of BAI Netball Club, has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to netball!
Pat joined BAI netball club (BAI) in 1962 as a player when she was 15 and continued her playing career until 1978 when she sustained a knee injury. Since then, she has devoted her time and energy in making BAI Netball Club one of the most inclusive clubs in the country, volunteering in women’s sport for over 45 years, holding various roles including coaching, organising teams, matches, umpiring, treasurer to name a few! And is currently the Club Manager
Pat’s tireless work has promoted inclusivity, diversity and access at BAI, leading on evolving the club to be a safe space where everyone in the club as seen as a whole person, not just a player, embracing and enabling participation regardless of background, age, ethnicity or ability.
Pats had a huge impact on mum’s returning to the sport after childbirth, BAI welcomes mothers back into the sport, giving them a safe place to exercise and catch up with friends. Pat can be found vehemently shouting encouragement (or providing childcare!) to all teams on the sidelines most Saturdays, regardless of weather conditions! It truly doesn’t matter which team you play in, Pat’s passion for your achievement is consistent across the board. Championing the annual interclub tournament, which sees previous members and current members come together, highlighting that once you are apart of BAI, you are always apart of BAI.
This is a huge achievement – Congratulations Pat! And thank you for your ongoing commitment to Netball, we are very grateful to have you as a part of the Netball Family
