Phyllis Charles – My love of netball playing began in 1984 when I attended Netball at Lewsey Centre with a group of Mums. We set up a team and I played WD for this team until 1991.

From 1992 – 2001 I played WD for a variety of teams but then I decided to focus on umpiring and from 2002 to present, I have been the registered umpire for Aline Flyers, but have supported many teams with fulfilling their fixtures within both Luton and Bedford Leagues. I also served on the L&D netball league committee.

In 1985 I qualified as a Beginner Umpire (the ‘old’ IO) and five years later I qualified as a Preliminary Umpire (the ‘old’ C award)

Since 1996, I have been the Winner of the Mick McDonald Umpiring Award in the Luton League on 12 separate occasions! In 2012 I received the Bedfordshire Long Service Award and expanded my knowledge and skills in to coaching.

In 2014 I received the County’s Golden Globe Unsung Hero for services to netball for supporting both leagues.

In 2015 I qualified in my Level 2 Coaching Award, not knowing how much of a benefit this would later be, when I found a new way to contribute to and support local netball.  That year I also received the Luton Sports Network Award – Service To Sport.

Since 2017 I have been an Umpire Mentor for newly qualified IOs and those hoping to progress to C award and look back on those that came on a journey with me with pride.

In 2018, I was nominated for the Golden Globe Grassroots Official East Region and still wanting to do more, I dusted off my coaching qualification and was accredited as a Walking Netball Host and a wiggle and a giggle within Bedfordshire was born…I loved being able to participate in netball again and encouraging returners or those new to playing to come and have fun and I’m now known for my ‘walking’ prowess!

In 2023, I was recognised at the county awards as winner of Bedfordshire’s County Unsung Hero…not all super(wo)men wear capes! I’m just a local lady, aging like a fine wine, with a love for Netball, still supporting local leagues and Tournaments!