A THURROCK teacher and netball coach has won national recognition for her skills, dedication and commitment.

Chloe Baker, 27, who teaches at Hassenbrook Academy in Stanford-le-Hope bagged the East Region Grass Roots Coach of the Year after blowing away judges with her style, persistence and talent coaching Netball - during two national lockdowns as well.

The Spanish and French teacher, from Stanford-le-Hope, started her netball club, Fusion in 2015. It has since grown to 180 team players across 17 teams. Chloe coaches players as young as five, all the way through to adulthood.

She hasn't let national lockdowns stand in her way and her recent award recognises how Chloe has consistently gone above and beyond for her teams.

"I don't know who nominated me, but – whoever you are, thank you!" Chloe said.

The path to winning the nationally-recognised award was not simple, Chloe explained: "After the nomination was received by the local committee, they endorsed it and forwarded it to the regional netball committee for their consideration. Usually at this stage, they would invite nominees for a tea and ceremony – this year was a bit different as it was held on zoom.

"The regional committee accepts nominations from seven counties Cambridgeshire, Essex, Thurrock, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Norfolk. I believe there were seven finalists after the regional judges met with everyone."

Chloe is a passionate coach, never afraid to get her hands dirty and get involved with her teams. Encouraging families to get involved in netball events, as well as charity fundraising, Chloe is an all-rounder encouraging fitness, ball drills, training and facilitating games in fun, engaging ways.

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The awards night, held on Thursday, 10 December was broadcast on Youtube Live, where Chloe's biggest supporter Zara Scott and her brother Harry, was watching along as she won.

Zara, eight, from Stanford-le-Hope, said: "I think she won because even in lockdown, she gave us exercises and mini competitions. She's really kind and trains with us a lot, showing us what to do. Well done and thank you for all your help!"

Zara, year four student at Corringham Primary school, dressed up in full awards night glamour knowing what a special night it was.

Talking about what was next for Fusion, Chloe said: "I'm currently in isolation, but after Christmas we have a planned mini league, but I've got everything crossed that after March the leagues will make a full return. We're really looking forward to our journey towards reaching the regional play-offs for our senior teams and that our junior teams can get back to the court as quickly as possible."

For more information on the Fusion Netball Club, check out their Instagram: @fusion_netballessex or on Facebook