In September 2017, two friends Liz James and Janine Cusworth started their netball journey.
They decided to get Back to Netball, a big step for both of them but an exciting prospect at the same time.
Both of them had different motivations to stepping onto the court – Janine has a functional neurological disorder and was unable to walk until early 2017. Liz wanted to get fitter and have something that was just for her.
After going along to their first session they were hooked and by the third they were asking what is next?!
They were fortunate to have a keen and enthusiastic group, who were encouraged to meet and discuss options for them after training one night. Who would have thought this would result in them wanting to make a permanent sustainable club?
Tribe Netball Club was born!
They followed the steps of setting up a committee which saw Liz as chair, Janine as treasurer and other ladies in other supporting roles.
Next up they needed a venue and a coach, followed by a Facebook page launch to attract new players.
The hard work paid off and Tribe now has over 30 ladies on their books and continues to grow.
They’ve entered festivals and the aim is to join the Thornaby Back to Netball League in October 2018.
The two mums are also an inspiration to their young daughters – they saw that mum is going out to netball and wanted to play too.
They took them along to Grangetown Netball Club, where they started playing matches in the Durham league in April. Netball is now part of the family.
Liz says: “I am fitter than ever. I have a purpose and love that I have made new friends.
“Netball has become a complete obsession for me. I am living and breathing netball!”
The netball journey continues for the two friends as they are keen to get netball out to as many people as they can.
Liz and Janine have just passed their Walking Netball Host course and will be starting to deliver in the near future.
Janine says: “Netball has improved her balance and co-ordination, giving her more confidence in what her body can do.
“When I go to netball I feel normal again and get more benefit from the sessions. I have made new friends.”
Liz and Nicola Crowther (another member of the tribe) have attended the first day of their UKCC Level 1. They want to gain more experience to be able to assist their coach. Liz will also help at the junior session her daughter attends.
Follow their journey at: Tribe Netball Club
