March 8 2026 | Zoe Barrett
IWD 2026: The Life and Legacy of Heather Crouch (MBE)
International Women’s Day 2026: Give to Gain
March 8 marks International Women’s Day 2026, and this year’s ‘Give To Gain’ campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. It emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When individuals, organisations and communities give generously, the opportunities and support for women increase.
As we celebrate England Netball’s Centenary year, we are highlighting a century of trailblazing women in netball who gave so generously to create a legacy on and beyond the court. Today, we share the story of a true legend: Heather Crouch MBE who profoundly impacted netball across the country and the South West.
A Life Dedicated to the Court
Heather’s netball journey began at Dartford PE College. Driven by a new found talent for netball, competitive spirit and a desire to improve, she soon started playing competitively. Following this, she rose through the ranks playing club netball with East Ham Rec and County Netball with Essex Met—becoming a national intercounty champion and earning an England trial.
However, Heather’s impact stretched far beyond her own playing days. Starting her professional career as a PE teacher in 1970, she was a coach ahead of her time. She pioneered the use of sport science and brought new thinking to high performance netball through training regimes. She started as a County coach and by 1980, she was the England Schools coach, and by 1987, she was England Senior coach at the World Netball Championships in Glasgow.
A Legacy of Leadership
Heather wasn’t just coach; she gave so much to netball, inspired, motivated, encouraged and led so many people through her passion for the game.
In 2004, she was inducted into the England Netball Hall of Fame and awarded Honorary Life Membership – a distinguished position with England Netball, recognising individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the organisation and its mission. These esteemed members are celebrated for their unwavering dedication, exceptional service, and leadership, which have greatly advanced the goals and values England Netball uphold.
Her voluntary contributions were so significant that she was awarded an MBE in 2010 for her service to sport.
Her leadership roles included:
- 2002–2010: Director on the Board of England Netball
- 2004–2010: Chair of Netball South West
- 2005–2010: Vice Chair of England Netball
- 2009–2010: Elected Chair of England Netball
The Heather Crouch Award
Through her role as Chair of Netball South West, Heather tirelessly gave her time, energy, support and knowledge to others. Netball South West are extremely proud of all that Heather achieved. In her memory, the Heather Crouch Award is presented annually to a person, group or organisation that has made a significant contribution to or had an impact on netball in the South West. This award is selected from the Regional ONE Awards category winners in recognition of the hard work and dedication they give to our sport.
As we celebrate #IWD2026, we look to Heather’s legacy as the ultimate example of “Give to Gain.” As England Netball celebrates 100 years, the Heather Crouch Award stands as a beautiful reminder that the sport’s future is built on the hard work of its volunteers. By recognizing those who make significant contributions in the South West, her legacy ensures that the “Give to Gain” cycle continues indefinitely. By giving her life to the sport, she gave a legacy that continues to support and inspire our netball family.