A netball coach, who plays and coaches with Menai Bridge, has been nominated for a national award.

Simone Gould, who is based in North Wales, has been recognised for her work in helping to grow and develop the sport in the region.

She has been nominated for the UK Coaching Talent Development Coach of the Year award, which recognises the achievements of a coach working with emerging and young athletes.

Ms Gould said: "I am absolutely blown away with the nomination.

"I love the sport, I love coaching and being able to support athletes at various levels and within different communities to improve their skills and knowledge.

"I feel incredibly proud to be recognised for this, it is humbling to see the impact I've had and then being acknowledged for this, which only motivates me to continue to support the sport and athletes to the best of my abilities."

Ms Gould has had a 'huge impact' on netball in the North Wales area since moving to the region two years ago.

She has given more than 500 hours of her time to develop a range of clubs and players, to help improve netball in the area and individual players.

She is head coach of the North West Regional Academy, which developed 26 girls in 2022-2023, including coming fourth in the U17 tournament and second in the U15 tournament in Cardiff.

She has also encouraged and supported players in representing Wales in national squads at U15, U17 and U19 age groups.

This year, she has had 60 girls in the academy and has increased the number of girls selected in the national squads to five, including three representing Wales at competition.

She has also provided the players with opportunities to compete against netball franchises such as Manchester Thunder.

Ms Gould 'sees a vision for netball in the North West' and is committed to 'taking on any responsibilities to bring it to life', such as umpiring, organising games, and entering teams into tournaments in Manchester, Deeside and Wrexham.

Ms Gould said: "I love helping people.

"I feel that it is my calling in life and this is something I do within my day to day job within pastoral care within a school.

"I have loved netball since a young age, I started playing at primary school and have continued no matter where I have lived."

The awards will be held on December 10 at The Queens Hotel in Leeds.