The idea of having a Walking Netball club in Henfield was originally conceived over a coffee and chat between friends when our local champion Sue Willis mentioned that there were grants available for new groups. No sooner said than done, Sue had organised funding, arranged dates with Henfield Leisure Centre and had contacted the England Netball Association (ENA).
To get us up and running, ENA assigned the Sussex Netball Development Officer to us who then ran 5 trial sessions, starting on 10th January 2024.
There were about 10 attendees at the first session, all a bit nervous but eager to embrace this new experience. In order for the group to continue after the trial sessions, it required at least one ENA trained host; Jane agreed to join forces with Vanessa and they both attended and passed a course in Oxford.
Walking Netball is basically the same game but we do not run or jump so the games are more manageable whatever your fitness level. We also have 4 seconds to pass the ball. After a warm-up, we have a skills activity to practise aspects of game play and then move onto a full game (with as many breaks as we all need) - it’s great fun!
Now a year on, we have over 18 regular players and enjoy a competitive game each week. We have also taken part in a local tournament and are arranging friendly matches with other local clubs.
We all look forward to the coffee and chat afterwards just as much as the game itself - thankfully, Sharky’s cafe at the Leisure Centre serves lovely drinks and cakes! We would like to thank Simon and the team at the Leisure Centre for welcoming our club; they are all so helpful and have generously supplied us with new bibs and whistles.
we are an inclusive club so everyone is welcome, whatever your age, fitness level or disability.
We recommend, however, that you talk with
your doctor beforehand if you have a medical condition. We are considering starting an earlier class (10am?) for anyone who would like to go even slower - please let us know if you are interested.
Henfield Walking Netball Club meets every Wednesday throughout the year between 11am – 12pm at Henfield Leisure Centre. The cost is £5 per session, payable to the staff in the foyer.
Contact Jane and Vanessa at HenfieldWalkingNetball@gmail.com or talk to the staff at Henfield Leisure Centre for more details.
Jane Beasley