Nicola Parker and Gill Lawday are both netballers whose journeys into the sport wouldn’t look the same without taking the plunge to try a Back to Netball session.
Back to Netball sessions are the perfect place for beginners or returners to the sport, who want to brush up their skills and knowledge of the rules with the support of a qualified coach.
Sessions are inclusive environments and are the perfect place for players to connect with others and form new relationships, as together the groups support each other and develop their game.
It’s all about making time for you to experience physical and mental health benefits in the company of others!
Find a Back to Netball session here!
Nicola’s Back to Netball Story: From a netball mum to a coach
My daughter has played netball for the club since she was nine years old and last September they advertised a Back to Netball session. A friend and I went along, even though I hadn’t played netball since school and I was 44, and after about six weeks I was asked if I would consider playing for a club. That was a year ago, I am now captain for that team, and I have sat my Level 1 Coaching Course and now coach across school years 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10, three times a week, on top of my own training and games.
I run my own business, working fulltime with two teenage children, but I manage to fit netball around this – it’s amazing what you can do when you want to!
Netball means so much to me as I have rediscovered fitness, and it has allowed me to get in better shape. I’ve finally started working with a PT to work on my strength which is something I’ve always wanted to do.
I have also connected with so many new people and made a lot of new friends through netball. I love coaching the younger girls who are just starting to learn netball and watch their skills and passion for the sport grow – I find that very rewarding! I also love spending time with my daughter, both doing something we enjoy.
If you are thinking about trying Back to Netball, I would say just go for it!
At Back to Netball groups there is such a variety of ages, experience and skills but everyone is made to feel welcome. Once you start the possibilities are endless (local teams, club leagues, walking netball etc.) and it’s far more enjoyable and social than a session in the gym!
Gill’s Back to Netball Story:
My daughter was playing for a team and after playing a lot when I was younger, I really enjoyed watching her team play.
I then heard that her club were starting Back to Netball, so I had to give it a go as I missed playing myself but wasn’t fit enough to play.
I loved my first session! My knowledge came back quickly and despite aching at first, my fitness improved too over time. Everyone was so welcoming.
Through Back to Netball I have reignited my love of netball and made a great new circle of friends.
Everyone should try Back to Netball. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. You’ll have a laugh. We’re a mixed ability group and everyone supports each other.
