With over 27 years of experience on the court and 20 appearances for the UAE national team as vice-captain, Kelly Loy is a prominent figure in UAE netball.

We take a look at her impressive career, the rapid growth of netball in the UAE, and her significant contributions as both a player and a coach.

Loy’s passion for netball began at the age of 10. What started as a childhood interest quickly blossomed into a lifelong commitment. Over the years, Loy has played at various levels, refining her skills and deepening her understanding of the game. Her dedication to netball is evident in her extensive career, which includes significant contributions to the UAE national team as both a player and a leader.

“The take-up rate for playing netball has just skyrocketed”

The last few years have seen a remarkable increase in netball’s popularity and participation in the UAE, a trend that Loy has been at the forefront of. “The take-up rate for playing netball has just skyrocketed,” she says.

Post-COVID, the enthusiasm for community sports has surged, and netball has benefited immensely. The number of clubs has doubled, and the sport’s visibility has increased, thanks in part to more frequent television coverage. This visibility has attracted a broader audience, including men, who now play in mixed teams, further diversifying and enriching the netball community.

MiRXES Nations Cup Preparations

For the first time, the UAE national team is set to compete in the MiRXES Nations Cup in Singapore. This milestone event marks a significant step forward for UAE netball. Loy, a seasoned player, is eager for the new challenge. Emphasising the importance of health and fitness, she meticulously balances training with her responsibilities. “Staying healthy and injury-free is crucial,” she notes. The team’s preparation involves rigorous training programs designed to ensure they are ready to compete on the global stage.

At 47, Loy continues to play at a high level, a testament to her commitment and physical fitness. “It’s about being organised and listening to my body,” she explains. Loy’s training regimen includes gym workouts and swimming, which help her maintain her fitness without putting too much strain on her body. She emphasises the importance of recovery, proper nutrition, and sufficient rest as key components of her training routine.

In addition to her playing career, Loy is heavily involved in coaching. She is the head coach of the Sharjah Netball Academy, which she co-founded just over a year ago. The academy has seen rapid growth, doubling in size and achieving success in local tournaments. Loy’s vision for the academy is to bridge the gap in netball participation levels between Dubai and other Emirates. “We need to get more people playing and bridge the gap between Dubai and other areas,” she says. The academy aims to provide opportunities for young players to develop their skills and foster a love for the game.

Coaching and Developing Future Talent

Loy’s future in netball is increasingly focused on coaching and developing the next generation of players. She is not only the head coach at Sharjah Netball Academy but also helps coach the UAE national youth teams. “When you play netball, you tend to coach along the way,” she remarks. Her extensive experience and passion for the sport make her a natural mentor for young athletes.

One of the key elements of Loy’s success with the Sharjah Netball Academy is the strong sense of community and collaboration. “It’s not just me; we have a fantastic team,” she says. The academy’s success is a collective effort, with contributions from various coaches and volunteers who share Loy’s vision. This collaborative spirit extends to the wider netball community in the UAE, where clubs and academies work together to promote and develop the sport.

The upcoming Mirxes Nations Cup is a significant milestone, but Loy’s ambitions for UAE netball extend beyond this event. She envisions a future where netball continues to grow in popularity and participation. “We want to increase the profile of netball and introduce it to more people,” she says. Loy’s plans for the Sharjah Netball Academy include expanding its reach, targeting more children and adults, and fostering a lifelong love for the sport.

Kelly Loy’s impact on netball in the UAE is undeniable. As a player, coach, and mentor, she has dedicated her life to the sport, helping to elevate its profile and nurture its growth. Her journey from a young girl with a passion for netball to a key figure in UAE sports is inspiring. As the UAE national team heads to the Mirxes Nations Cup, Loy’s leadership and experience will be invaluable.

Under her guidance, the future of netball in the UAE looks bright. Loy’s commitment to the sport and her efforts to develop young talent ensure that her legacy will endure. With her at the helm, the UAE netball community can look forward to continued growth and success on the international stage.