Each week we bring you a good news story from across the South West as part of our wedNEWSday articles.

Netball South West are really excited to be introducing Court Short Kits for players use at all Regional Tournaments and Central Venue fixtures for the 2022-23 season.

Gilly Salter, a well-known South West coach, who is part of the ChangemakeHer programme with the Well HQ and England Netball said this about the kits:

“Having taken part in the Well HQ Pilot Cohort many of the topics resonated with me but particularly, the discussions around periods, netball and how we can support each other. One discussion was around setting up the ‘Court Short Kit Bag’ initiative where players know that if they have been caught short at a session or in one of our games, they can help themselves to whatever they need for that emergency e.g., tampons, sanitary towels, pants, wipes. What a fantastic idea! No questions asked and no embarrassment for them. This initiative is one I will be setting up in the forthcoming season at my club and hope that NSW Clubs and Coaches will too. It's time to make periods ok to talk about, and time for us to be more supportive, open and understanding. If this helps take the embarrassment or stress away for our players who are on their periods, then it's got to be worth it!”

Each kit will contain various types of sanitary towels, tampons, wipes, and spare underwear. So, if players, coaches, or officials have forgotten to bring spare pads, leak or start their period during netball there will be products there to support them. A Court Short Kit will be available at each event for any players who may get caught short at netball.

Netball South West believe it is really important to support the women and girls taking part in their netball competitions and would encourage clubs and local leagues to consider providing a similar kit for their members.

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).