South Cambridgeshire’s adult friendly netball league is back by popular demand and registrations are now open to all groups and individuals wanting to give it a shot.
The league is aimed at groups of friends, work colleagues or individuals who want to play recreational netball to get fit and have fun in a social but competitive environment. Last year, nearly 90 individuals in 11 mixed ability teams competed in the league.
The well established league is in its 7th year and follows the successful roll out of the Women Try Netball sessions across the district, set up and funded by South Cambridgeshire District Council, to address the growing concern for the under representation of women in sport. Netball was identified as an activity that most women would have taken part in at school and which champions the social and physical benefits of sport.
Women Try Netball is a 10-week, gentle re-introduction to the sport for all women aged 16 and over. Sessions are coach led and cover the basics of the game. Many players go on to form teams for the adult friendly league whilst others join local clubs and enter the Cambridgeshire District Netball Association to play competitively.
The adult friendly league will start on Thursday 25 September at Milton Community Centre’s outdoor courts with a tournament to determine which division each team will play in. Thereafter, the league will take place on alternate Thursday evenings through to March.
Cllr Mick Martin, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member responsible for sport, said:
It has been very encouraging to see more teams entering the league year on year; it demonstrates how successful our Women Try Netball initiative is in inspiring ladies to try or return to the sport.
For many participants, our adult friendly league is the first time they have played a proper netball fixture since school. The league is about rediscovering sporting abilities, getting active again, and meeting a group of like-minded people. I would encourage as many local women as possible to form a team and enter the league.
Hundreds of local women from all over the district are trying their hand at netball each week. For your nearest Women Try Netball session, or to join a team for the next adult friendly league, contact Helen Stepney on 07732 222905.
Alison Osborne from Coton Ladies netball team, who took part in the league for the first time last year, said:
The league is a fantastic place to play friendly, relaxed netball with like-minded teams. We set our team up last year, with tremendous support from the Council, and found the league a great way to learn and play netball, get fit, have fun and meet new people.
