JERSEY netball’s iconic coach and former player Jackie Nelson has been recognised for her years of outstanding commitment by receiving an esteemed award within the British netball community.
On 4 July 2026, Mrs Nelson was awarded a regional ONE Award under the South West region.
She was presented with the Special Recognition Award, which aims to recognise individuals’ long-term impact, legacy, and meaningful influence within netball.
The ONE Awards strive to spotlight the amazing people who make netball happen through a variety of roles such as officiating, coaching, administration, supporting school netball activity, or clubs and local leagues.
Mrs Nelson will now be considered among her winning counterparts across the nine regions for the national awards, which will take place in Birmingham in October 2026.
Mrs Nelson has been a prominent figurehead within the netball community for over 35 years of continual service, but shared it’s been “an extra emotional year with retiring and passing over to other people.”
“It was a lovely surprise to find out I had been nominated for the One Award, and I certainly didn’t expect to win. But I was absolutely thrilled,” added Mrs Nelson.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Netball
Netball development was created in Jersey through Mrs Nelson along with Linda Andrews. They created Jersey Juniors (similar to a Come and Play setup), which was loved by over 60 girls every week for years.
Mrs Nelson later served as president for Jersey Netball and has been recognised as an Honorary Life President for her long service to the sport.
Mrs Nelson was also president of St Lawrence Netball Club for over 25 years and has led them from two teams to six adult teams and three youth teams.
Jackie Nelson shared with the Jersey Evening Post that she has coached Islanders from young school children to senior island teams and veterans, after hanging up her own netball court shoes.
“I have been very, very fortunate to have the opportunity to coach so many different age groups – it’s been brilliant.”
“In my coaching, I try to inspire players to play for the love of it, whatever standard they are, and to keep on playing, and to actually stay involved in the sport when they can no longer play.”
Mrs Nelson shared another highlight of her career was being nominated for the Jersey Sport Volunteer of the Month.
The award was presented to her at the last game before she retired when she was unexpectedly asked to go on court for the first time in 37 years to take the first centre pass of the third quarter.
Being back on court for Mrs Nelson “brought back floods of memories and was emotional” as her eldest daughter ran into the position after her pass.
She expanded that one of the biggest challenges she faced in her netball career was being president for five years, as it “takes the game to a whole new level.”
“You’re not just coaching on the sideline or umpiring anymore. You’re the head of an association and you have to do the best for them,” she added.
As the autumn season approaches, Mrs Nelson is preparing for the national One Awards 2026, where she will compete against talented coaches and netball volunteers across the UK.
Sarah Fullwood, St Lawrence Netball player and coach, praised Mrs Nelson “for the time, energy and passion you always invested in me. The Jersey netball scene just won’t be the same without you.”
