Novices to Walking Netballers in 10 weeks!

In July 2017 Middlesex Netball was awarded with a ‘The Girl Can’ grant from London Sport to deliver a Walking Netball Programme in partnership with an organisation who don’t normally associate with sporting institutes. We partnered with the Henna Asian Women’s group in Kilburn to deliver a 10 week Walking Netball programme to their members. The group was set up over 30 years ago by Asian women migrating from India, Pakistan and East Africa to encourage women to take part in activities to reduce social isolation, encourage active participation and provide support.
 The Walking Netball sessions presented a number of challenges; many of the ladies were unaware what netball was and hadn’t exercised for years. Alongside this a significant number of ladies did not speak any English or had very limited vocabulary.  However, after 10 weeks, the development from complete beginners was astounding and the camaraderie that had grown among the ladies was amazing.  Anyone who visited the session commented on the laughter and giggles they could hear coming from the hall along with loud cheers announcing a goal had been scored!  We are so excited that the session will continue in the New Year as one of the participants has trained up as a Walking Netball Host and is raring to go!