Groundbreaking first female BFNL life membership for Douglass

BALLARAT netball leader Prue Douglass hopes her BFNL life membership honour is a catalyst for more recognition of women who have made significant contributions to the league.

Douglass was “blindsided” for the second time in the space of a few months when she was bestowed life membership at the BFNL’s annual general meeting this month.

She is the first woman to receive life membership.

The honour came on top of the league’s decision in September this year to rename its 17-and-under netball league best and fairest award as the Prue Douglass Medal.

Douglass, a former BFNL board member and long-time coach and coaching mentor, said she was entirely humbled by the honour.

“It’s certainly something you don’t go looking for in life, but it is lovely when things like this happen,” she said.

“I didn’t see it coming it all; had no idea. I’ve been blindsided twice this year with the other announcement (the Prue Douglass Medal).

“But I am incredibly proud of it, and being the first female is something that really hit me emotionally.

“I was very humbled by that, as there are so many amazing women out there that do so many good things within every aspect of sport and other things within the community, so to be the first has blown me away to be honest.

“I hope it opens the door for many more and I’m sure it will.

“There are many out there that have done an enormous amount of things too.”

Douglass, who has spent nearly a lifetime around netball, admitted to still getting as much enjoyment from the sport as she did the first time she picked up a ball with the blessing of her ever-supportive parents.

“Everything transitions through life; you start off as a little girl playing the game you love,” she said.

“From there I started coaching; I was probably 15 or 16 when I first coached, so I had a love of that very early.

“Then you become a mother, and then the mother of a player, and that takes you on a different journey.

“Our daughter (multiple A-grade premiership star and club best and fairest winner Poppy) has taken us on some incredible journeys.

“You keep recognising that you just love the game and it’s just about being involved and the people you meet and the experiences you have.

“It’s the wonderful things you see along the way that keep you in love with the game.

“I can’t compete anymore, but I love it in a different way.”

Still the coaching mentor for Ballarat’s under-age teams, representative netball remains as Douglass’s major passions.

She delights in seeing newcomers enter pathways programs and elevating their game to higher levels.

“I want to see the program keep evolving and changing and adapting to different ways of coaching and different ways of connecting to kids,” Douglass said.

 

“Foremost, we want to keep them in the game, but ensuring they are enjoying it and making friendships.”

Not for the first time in the last few months, Douglass used her life membership honour to praise the support of those closest to her – family.

“My parents started this journey with me, growing up in the country,” she said.

“I grew up in a country community that was very much based around sport and community and that instilled in me the want and desire to be part of something.

“Both my parents were always part of committees or were coaching or playing themselves.

“And my husband Tony, who has just supported me so much, and he loves the game of netball as much as I do.

“And Poppy our beautiful daughter has been so supportive of Mum and has no doubt had to put up with a bit with Mum being around clubs. She has taken us on her own journey.

“It’s the family and friendship.”

BFNL netball and operations manager Gemma Murphy said life membership was recognition of Douglass’s “exceptional and enduring contribution to netball” in the BFNL.

“Prue has been one of the league’s most influential netball leaders, shaping the game through governance, coaching, mentoring, and grassroots development,” she said.

“A former BFNL board member, respected representative coach, and long-serving leader at North Ballarat FNC, Prue has helped create pathways for young athletes and strengthened netball across every level.

“From founding the BFNL under-17 representative program, to coaching multiple premiership teams at North Ballarat and inspiring countless young players and coaches, her impact on our sport is unmatched.

“Her legacy is honoured through both the Prue Douglass Medal at North Ballarat and the BFNL junior netball best and fairest trophy.

“On behalf of the entire BFNL community, we thank Prue for her dedication, passion, and leadership across her terrific service to the league and congratulate her on this achievement.”

North Ballarat Football Netball Club – Douglass’s home club – took to social media to pass on its congratulations.

“This honour is a true reflection of Prue’s unwavering dedication, leadership, and lifelong commitment to netball both within our region and right here at North Ballarat,” the club said. “Prue already holds one of the league’s most prestigious recognitions, with the BFNL 17 & Under Best and Fairest Medal named in her honour: The Prue Douglass Best and Fairest Award.

“Her impact on generations of players continues to shape the future of our sport.

“We are incredibly proud of Prue and deeply grateful for the support of her family, Tony and Poppy, who have been part of this journey every step of the way.”