Founder of Sevenoaks Netball Club on her way to the Commonwealth Games

Inspirational and humble are just two words that come to mind when describing Joan Mills MBE. Appointed as the new England Netball President in 2020, Joan’s enduring passion for the sport began as a young girl. After moving to Kent at the age of 16, and realising there was no club, this remarkable girl took it upon herself to start Sevenoaks Netball Club, thereby beginning over 60 years of involvement in the sport.

Continuing her love of netball, she rose to holding a position as England Netball Chair, being an International Netball Federation Technical Delegate for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and the 2019 Vitality Netball World Cup, so you can see her inspiring career has gone from strength to strength.

With a string of achievements and experiences behind her, it is without a doubt Joan is the perfect fit as the club’s new President. Having trekked in the Himalayas on many occasions and kayaked in both Alaska and the Arctic Circle, her motivation and zest for life is a shining example to many. Her infectious energy and vigour has provided the ideal ingredients to boost the sport’s growth and profile throughout the years. This was recognised in the Queen’s 90th Birthday honours list in 2016, when she was awarded an MBE for services to netball.

Joan defies age by continuing to inspire and help others as the power walking coach of Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers. She, along with her husband Brian, also spend a lot of their free time supporting charities, including Sevenoaks Pink Week.

Joan will soon be heading to Birmingham as President of England Netball for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. On top of that, Joan was recently given the great honour of becoming a Commonwealth Games baton-bearer.

With ambitions to continue her efforts, Joan commented: “I am passionate about the sport of netball and want to see England be number one in the world, not just in the rankings, but also as the number one women’s sport in the eyes of the media and general public, from participation numbers, volunteering, and officiating at all levels”. Huge congratulations to Joan from everyone in Sevenoaks – and watch this space, as we are sure her achievements will continue!