Netball travels
As alumna Judy Arrowsmith proudly carried the Queen’s baton up Lothian Road, it was a journey that really began in Edinburgh with the University netball team.
Edinburgh University Netball Club is currently ranked as the best university netball team in Scotland, very much as it was in the early 1960s when Judy Arrowsmith (nee Goldthorpe) captained the team and was twice awarded a university blue.
Maximum exposure
Not only were the team fantastically successful on the court, Judy credits the crack-shot of goal shooter Maureen Keldie as a particular strength, but they were also media pioneers.
Secretary Jane Regan used contacts at the student newspaper to ensure that each and every netball achievement gained maximum exposure and all match reports received top billing. It makes you wonder what Jane could have achieved in today’s world of social media.
Jogging memories
As Judy jogged up Lothian Road, past the Usher Hall with baton in hand, she was reminded of the power of sport - that unique combination of comradeship, pride and adrenalin that many of the athletes will be feeling at Glasgow 2014.
The glow of the participation reminded me of the joy I had marching behind our flag in the ‘70s in Jamaica as part of the Scottish squad playing in the 3rd World Netball tournament.
Beyond netball
Judy went on to study at Moray House and after teaching and completing an MSc (Research in Education) taught Education (Psychology) at Dunfermline College of PE.
The pull of EUNC is still strong however, as Judy returned to the University in 2013 to take part in the annual alumni sports day. It was a chance to reminisce and reflect on a happy and pivotal time in her life.
Playing with the team made my University days very happy indeed. We shared years of hard training, friendship and laughter.
Rediscover your sporting past
If you are interested in contacting your old sports club or participating in the next alumni sports day then please visit the University of Edinburgh Sports Alumni Association website.
On the website you will also find details of the Eric Liddell High Performance Sports Scholarship Fund which helps support student athletes wishing to attain sporting success.
Visit the University of Edinburgh Sports Alumni Association website
Netball on the Sports Union website