Cardiff University Netball Club is a supportive community where genuine connection is partnered within team culture, where there is not only support on court, but off it too. When speaking to President Georgia Abiona, goalkeeper for the University 2s team, and Vice President Meg Lawrence, goal shooter for the University’s 2s team, their adoration for the club beamed through the conversation. What is the process to become a part of Cardiff University Netball?
In their roles as President and Vice President Georgia and Meg shared the challenging steps it takes to be part of Cardiff University Netball. Cardiff University Netball is made up of eight teams, from the 1s to the 6s who play in the BUCS league, and then two teams called the DEVS who play in the IMG league. Those in the BUCS league play against other university teams, whereas those in the IMG league play other teams within Cardiff University, most commonly course teams.
The trial process to make it onto a team focuses on scouting players based on netball ability, fitness, and potential to contribute to one of the club’s multiple teams. They said that this year there are “quite a lot of changes” and everyone must “re-trial each year”. Georgia says this is the best way they can perform the trialling process as it “gives people an opportunity to grow and prove themselves”.
This year, they believe there was over 100 girls who trialled, but only 15 made it into BUCS and 15 into DEVS, showing the high standard of quality of the teams. Meg, who is also the coach of the DEVS teams said: “The DEVS teams are a massive focus for the club this year, as it gives girls who are committed and dedicated opportunities to move forward!” What are your main goals on and off court? This year, the pair shared that the club has very clear goals that go beyond just winning matches.
On the court, the club looks for top performances and progression, from the BUCS teams to the DEVS. Moving ahead into the new season, the club is heavily focused on getting the 1s promoted after getting relegated two years ago to Prem 2. To do so, they said they want “each team watching and supporting each other and more spectators coming to games, to build the support for the girls”.
Netball matches are on Wednesdays at Talybont Sport Centre, and they often livestream the games on their Instagram “CardiffUniNetballClub”. Meg and Georgia hope “growing that community support will shine through” especially within game play, where the club are equally committed to building a supportive atmosphere, as well as winning games. President Georgia said: “Lots of people think we are really serious, but we have so much fun outside of training and matches and this is the side the club we want people to see and support!” What is the current performance of the team like?
President Georgia said the “key aims that what we want to work on are building a really strong foundation from our pre-season training”. She proudly shared that “we’ve put in the work, so it hopefully will give us the results we need!” Georgia and Meg shared how much hard work is put into all aspects of the club, adding that “my life is BUCS, and sometimes I forget I am doing a degree”. Vice President Meg added that “everyone has got the motivation to work hard and prove themselves”, especially in the “western conference trophy cup” which all teams are involved in, and the two heads of the club shared their admiration to all the team girls and their “dedication and commitment” to all leagues and competitions.
Cardiff University Netball Club also has some brilliant rising stars in Welsh netball. Firstly, Ellie Blackwell, who is part of NXT GEN, Feathers, Welsh Nationals, and Celtic Cup, with the potential to go to the Commonwealth Games. Next, Izzy Fletcher who is a part of Cardiff Dragons and NXT GEN.
Then, a final spotlight moment to Beca Parry who is a part of the High Performance Programme. This, among a pool of players who also have such talent, truly shows that the “the players at Cardiff University are of such a high standard”. What are you most looking forward to this season?
It is no secret that Cardiff 1s had an unfortunate loss against Swansea 1s at Varsity last year after a long winning streak. Georgia said it was “tough losing and seeing the disappointment on the girl’s faces” and that the “disappointing result, just makes the girls want to work harder for it next time!” Georgia and Meg shared that Varsity this year will be a defining moment for the club and that “everybody really cares and wants to see only the best for this club” and that the 2026 Varsity will be their biggest opportunity to show off their hard work. Oh, and one last thing they said... “Swansea we’re coming for you next year!”