The countdown to the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar has begun, and the call for volunteers is echoing across the global netball community. To inspire others to join the effort, we spoke to Adrienne Ensor and Jo Morshuis, two passionate volunteers from New Zealand who contributed to the success of the Oceania Regional Qualifiers in Rarotonga. Their experiences showcase how volunteering can be both a personal adventure and a profound way to connect with the global netball family.
A Passion Sparked by Different Paths
Adrienne Ensor’s love for netball began in her childhood in the 1960s when sports options for girls were limited. “I loved being part of a team, and over the years, my passion grew because of the people I met and the places I travelled for netball,” she shared. Her lifelong involvement in the sport is a testament to its ability to create lasting connections and opportunities.
In contrast, Jo Morshuis found her passion for netball through her daughters. “I never played netball, but when my girls started playing, I was amazed at the athleticism of the players,” she recalled. Watching games, managing teams, and eventually volunteering brought her closer to the sport. “Through netball, I met so many lovely people, including Adrienne. We’ve travelled to games and shared incredible experiences.”
The Rewards of Volunteering
For Adrienne and Jo, volunteering at the Oceania Regional Qualifiers was a blend of camaraderie, purpose, and joy. Adrienne vividly remembers how a chance conversation led to the opportunity. “Nic Jones mentioned they were struggling to find volunteers in Rarotonga, and I thought, ‘We can help!’” she recounted. What followed was a rewarding journey to support a tournament in a country that lacked resources.
Jo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the sense of fulfilment that came from helping. “We knew there’d be downtime to enjoy the location, but it was just about being there for others, lending a hand, and sharing laughs with a great group of ladies.”
Seeing the next generation of players also left an impact. “There’s so much talent coming through in the youth space,” said Adrienne. “It’s exciting to see these girls grow and imagine their potential on the world stage.”
Building Lifelong Connections
Volunteering isn’t just about the event—it’s about the relationships formed. Adrienne highlighted how welcoming and appreciative the netball community can be. “In Rarotonga, they treated us like royalty for taking the time to help. You meet people from all over the world who share your passion for the sport.”
For Jo, the friendships extended far beyond the court. “One of our Rarotonga team members now lives in Scotland, and we’ve kept in touch through Zoom and visits. Netball brings people together in ways you’d never expect.”
Why You Should Volunteer in Gibraltar
With Gibraltar set to host the Netball World Youth Cup in 2025, Adrienne and Jo’s stories make a compelling case for stepping up as a volunteer. “Events like this can’t happen without volunteers,” Adrienne stressed. “You’ll meet people from across the globe, make lifelong friends, and contribute to something bigger than yourself.”
Jo added, “It’s also a chance to explore a new place, socialize, and create memories. Volunteering is a way to give back while enriching your own life.”
Whether you’re a netball enthusiast or someone looking to be part of an international event, the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 is your opportunity to make a difference. As Adrienne says, “Just give it a go! You won’t regret it.”
Interested in volunteering? Keep an eye out for updates on opportunities to get involved in Gibraltar 2025 on the event website at www.nwyc2025.gi.
You can also subscribe to our NWYC2025 mailing list now, here, to be the first to hear about all future announcements.
