On 15 July 2018, England Netball and UK Deaf Sport (UKDS) held a netball training day for deaf players, coaches and umpires.
The exciting event brought participants together to look at ways to develop and improve the sport for people with hearing impairments.
Held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, attendees took part in fun training practices and match play.
They also discussed how netball coaching could be more inclusive and what considerations might be needed when umpiring a game with deaf players.
The day was a great success, with all players saying how enjoyable and interesting the training sessions had been and that they were looking forward to playing more netball in the future.
England Netball Strategic Lead for Disability, Richard Evans, co-ordinated the event with the support of UKDS.
He said: “This pilot marks the start of a journey to bring a new sport to women and girls from the deaf community.
“Today has provided great insight and will help to shape a new and emerging sport.
“I would like to thank UKDS and the coaches and umpires in particular for their hard work, feedback and flexibility.”
UK Deaf Sport Head of Participation, Valerie Copenhagen, joined players on the netball court.
She said: “This was a great opportunity to bring all parties together to develop the sport.
“Using the training sessions as an open forum to feed back directly on how coaches can adapt their teaching styles was really positive and valuable for all involved.”
England Netball and UKDS will create an action plan that aims to not only increase participation of deaf players into netball, but to also support coaches and umpires with their training and ongoing development.
If you play with a hearing aid or are interested in developing the game then we would love you to get in touch; please email richard.evans@englandnetball.co.uk
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