Groundbreaking Walking Netball celebrates its fifth anniversary in the East Riding
Thu 27th February 2020
The council’s Health and Wellbeing team, in partnership with the local England Netball Humber Development Officer Pauline Hardy, will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of Walking Netball starting in the East Riding of Yorkshire on Thursday, 5 March at East Riding Leisure Haltemprice, the place where it first began, before going on to be played all over the country.
Since starting in the East Riding initially in 2015, walking netball was then launched nationally by England Netball in January, 2016 and there are now sessions all over the country.
Walking netball is currently based in eight East Riding Leisure Centres with further sessions planned to start in 2020. The sessions are aimed at women aged 50+ who used to play netball or would like to try fun organised walking netball activities and games. The sessions accommodate various fitness levels, providing low to mid intensity matches ideal for those who haven’t played for a long time or would just like to get a bit fitter and meet new friends.
In addition to the sessions, the social side is very important, too. As well as the netball teams, the participants have set up other social groups such as a darts team, and groups regularly organise meals out and trips away, the most recent being when 13 went to see the England Netball team play in Nottingham.
Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and leisure, said: “I am delighted that this excellent initiative which started in the East Riding is now available nationally. Walking netball is a great way to keep fit whilst having fun, and meeting new people at the same time!”
Sarah Johnson, sport and active communities officer, added: “No matter what skill or fitness level you are, we would strongly recommend you give Walking Netball a try! We are hoping to launch a new session for Beginners at East Riding Leisure Haltemprice, so please get in touch if you would like to get involved.”
Walking netball sessions are held at:
East Riding Leisure Bridlington : Mondays
East Riding Leisure Beverley : Mondays
East Riding Leisure Goole : Tuesdays
East Riding Leisure South Cave : Tuesdays
East Riding Leisure Withernsea : Tuesdays
East Riding Leisure Haltemprice : Thursdays
East Riding Leisure Francis Scaife (Pocklington) : Thursdays
East Riding Leisure Driffield : Fridays.
For further information, contact Sarah Johnson on (01482) 392526 or email sarah.johnson@eastriding.gov.uk or Pauline Hardy on 07540 126591 or email Pauline.Hardy@englandnetball.co.uk
