Enthusiasts flock to the courts
The schools may be out for summer, but that hasn't stopped local netball enthusiasts going back to their learning days.
Crookhorn School in Havant has been the venue for England Netball's eight-week Back to Netball initiative.
The scheme is designed to reintroduce key elements of the game, such as footwork, passing, basic attack, defending skills and movement, to those who haven't played in recent years.
And with 15 eager ladies signed up to improve their game, and perhaps rejoin the league ranks, the initiative has been given top marks for those going back to basics.
'We've had some great feedback from the players involved,' said England Netball development officer Emily Loftus.
'We have had 15 ladies attend, around 10 of those regularly, and I know the players are now planning to put a team together and compete locally.
'England Netball is delighted with this success as getting players returning to netball on a regular basis is the aim of the Back to Netball initiative.'
Loftus has been ably assisted by Meon and Brockenhurst College coach Debbie Laycock.
She, too, has been delighted by the response of the players involved.
'This has been my first experience of Back to Netball and, like the players, I didn't really know what to expect.
'But I think I have been lucky to have such lovely, enthusiastic ladies involved and, without question, every single one of them has improved.
'The course focuses on fun and we have definitely had a few laughs
along the way.'
The players, many of whom did not know each other before, now hope to
create a competitive team and join a local league from September.
'The girls are determined to stay together and train regularly and I hope to be able to help them on their way,' added Laycock.
'The players have also asked the local leagues for assistance.
'After so long out of the game, and in most cases only having played school netball, their experience of league netball – particularly umpiring, rules and regulations and affiliations – is limited.'
The success of the Back to Netball course has inspired Havant Borough Council's community department to arrange mums and daughters sessions during the summer holidays, also at Crookhorn School.
These will be held on Saturday, August 7, 14 and 21, from 10am to 11, with nans, aunties and cousins also welcome.
For more information, contact Sophie Jevons on (023) 9244 6570.
For details regarding other Back to Netball sessions in Hampshire and Isle of Wight, contact Emily Loftus at emily.loftus@englandnetball.co.uk
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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