Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles. This week we shine the light on Walking Netball and the amazing opportunities that it can bring.

Walking Netball is a slower version of the game; it is netball, but at a walking pace. The game has been designed so that anyone can play it regardless of age or fitness level. From those who have dropped out of the sport they love due to serious injury, to those who believed they had hung up their netball trainers many years ago, it really is for everyone.

Chippenham Walking Netball ladies have been sharing with us how netball has provided them with a platform to fill their lives with lots of activity. Here their host Carla Smith, shares all the different activities they have planned.

“We all know that Walking Netball ladies love to chat, and our group is no exception. As numbers grew and friendships were made, so was the social committee! I put it to the ladies one evening and within 5 minutes I had 9 volunteers and a WhatsApp group. Each member researches and takes on organising an event. As a result, the social diary is certainly full. Some of the events planned so far are Ten Pin Bowling, Shakespeare Live, an afternoon tea for 20 of us being put together by our very own Kirsty, Bath Spa session and an Outdoor escape room, whilst still ensuring we leave enough time to fit in two netball sessions a week! We are so proud to be able to say that our group has survived the pandemic and is going from strength to strength. For more information on our group and how to become involved, check out our website: https://pewshambelleswi.wixsite.com/home/walking-netball.” (Carla Smith, Walking Netball Host)

(The ladies enjoying Shakespeare Live together)

Further information about Walking Netball can be found on the England Netball website: https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/play/walking-netball/ or use our Walking Netball session finder to find your nearest session in the South West: Walking Netball Session Finder

Interested in delivery Walking Netball?

If you are interested in delivering Walking Netball, we’re looking for friendly, chatty, approachable people with a great sense of humour to become Walking Netball Hosts. Further information about becoming a Walking Netball Host can be found on the England Netball website here: https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/course/walking-netball-host-workshop/

If you have a good news story that you would like to share please send your story and a picture to the South West Regional Coordinator (southwest@englandnetball.co.uk)