More Than a Game: Netball Is Home for Meg Jones

Photo Credit: Jonathan Martin

"Caledonia, you're calling me, and now I'm going home, if I should become a stranger. You know that it would make me more than sad; Caledonia has been everything I've ever had."

Weirdly, I always associate Dougie MacLean's 'Caledonia' with sport. An ode to his home, the connection, the pride. It's a unique relationship. Home is not always a piece of land or the stars above one's head. Sometimes it is a court beneath your feet, teammates standing beside you and a badge close to your heart. For an athlete, sport can become home, a place where memories are forged, friendships are built, and moments live on forever. For Meg Jones, home is netball, a sport that has helped shape her story so far.

A steadfast passion

"Netball is a game I've adored since I first really understood it at around 11 or 12, and then even more from 14 when I started playing properly. It's my space where I can fully be myself, unapologetically competitive and completely immersed in every minute I'm around it. Wherever I'm playing or coaching, it essentially becomes my second home. Outside of my personal life, netball is a huge part of what makes me, me."

Netball has provided Jones a platform to be her best self. An enduring presence in her life, it has had a massive influence on Jones. The University of South Wales is an institution that has witnessed Jones' talent. She has been a part of the team as both a player and a coach. The university means a tremendous amount to her.

USW

"USW means a lot to me because it's been such a big part of my journey. I coached at USW from 2019 to 2022 and then returned for the 2025/26 season. I also played for the BUCS 1st team for four years and was part of the team that earned promotion.

"As a coach, I've had successful seasons despite the losses, draws and different types of wins along the way. I've put so much time, effort and energy into USW, both in the past and now, so it will always mean a lot to me."

you.

Jones has created an abundance of memories on a USW court. However, one game in particular comes to mind. Jones tells the story with such detail that the moment almost comes alive again. The emotion, the significance and the memories remain as vivid as ever, showing exactly why some moments in sport never truly leave you.

"My favourite memory has to be when my parents came to watch one of our home games against Swansea. We were drawing 32-32 with about five minutes to go when I made an interception, which can sometimes be a rare occurrence! I was at the top of the circle, passed the ball out, received it back and scored the goal that put us into the lead. We went on to win the game, and that season we earned promotion. It's definitely a moment I'll always remember."

Along with playing for Eastside Leckwith Netball Club, Jones coaches USW's netball team. She talks about the lessons learnt through her coaching journey.

Coaching

"One of the biggest things I've learned is that not every player is coachable in the same way, and I'm not going to suit every player as a coach. Understanding that has helped me grow and adapt my approach."

Adapting is a vital part of life; knowing how to approach different situations as a coach is essential to getting the best from their players.  Jones also has a coaching business. She talks about which netball lessons apply to her business.

"Consistency, patience, discipline and social skills are all areas I'll continue to work on. There's always room to improve, and developing these qualities will be important in becoming the successful coach I want to be."

For Jones, the goal for the future is clear.

"My ambition is to become a full-time coach, make coaching my career and continue coaching with USW throughout that journey."

Jones has more dreams to chase, more memories to create and much more of her story to write. Yet at the heart of it all is something deeper than the game itself. Netball is not simply the sport she loves. It is where she belongs. It is where memories have been forged. It is home.

---

Curious about who’s behind the content? Check out our About Us page or visit our Join The Team page to get involved.