St John's College delighted to be back in the groove

Staff from the college in Southsea took home the winners’ medals from the event organised by England Netball at the Mountbatten Centre.

It has been progress for captain Nelson and her team of teachers and support staff who remained unbeaten.

She said: ‘We were thrilled to win the festival – but it all started at the first Back to Netball workplace event last September.

‘We entered for a giggle and surprised ourselves by winning a few games!

‘Since then most of us have attended regular Back to Netball sessions and are really enjoying them.’

‘We’ve really benefited as a group of colleagues and talked some of our other members of staff into giving it a go.

‘We were delighted that all out hard work bore fruition at the festival.

‘It’s the first ever sporting medal I have ever won.’

Portsmouth City Council side Stacey’s Stunners took home the runners-up medals, only losing to the winners.

England Netball’s Netball Development Community Coach Debbie Laycock said: ‘Out of the seven teams that entered into this festival, we had 29 ladies who haven’t played netball for years.

‘We’ve received some great feedback on this festival and look to put more festivals on during the summer months, including a mixed one for the men to get involved.’

The festival was only the second of its kind in the city, run by Laycock in partnership with Portsmouth City Council’s Sport Officer Matt Birch.

It attracted teams from Apollo Fire Detectors, Mercury, Mountbatten Centre and Portsmouth City Council.

Call Debbie Laycock on 07854 09047 or email [email protected] for more information about Back to Netball.