Back to Netball - Mid Sussex

  “Back to Netball is designed to encourage women that may find it too daunting to enter a competitive club environment or may not have enough time to participate in traditional structures, an opportunity to participate in the sport. The initial emphasis is very much based on the social element and basic skill development, working at the participant’s pace.”

Following the overwhelming success of four Back to Netball sessions run in partnership with Mid Sussex District Council and Freedom Leisure, a need for competitive adult opportunities in the area was identified. Nine months following the initial Back to Netball session, a league began.

Back to Netball is designed to encourage women that may find it too daunting to enter a competitive club environment or may not have the time to participate in traditional structures, an opportunity to participate in the sport.  The initial emphasis is very much based on the social element and basic skill development, working at the participants pace.   

Project detailsProject duration: 01 September 2008 - ongoing
Organisation: 
England Netball
Project name: 
Back to Netball
AudienceAll women
Age group: 
16 - 24
Age group: 
25 - 40
Age group: 
41+
Innovation
Prior to the Back to Netball programme, the majority of the participants failed to participate in any sport. In the space of a year, the participants were now training and competing on a weekly basis.
Recruitment and promotion
Back to Netball sessions were promoted in local publications, through the local junior club and posters were put up in places that women may congregate. Participants from those sessions were encouraged to form teams and recruited to the league through their nominated captains.
Location
Rural
How was your project delivered?Netball
Funding
The project was kick started with an £8,000 grant from Sport England Small Grants, however, through subs and league fees, is now self funding.
Partnership
Initial Back to Netball sessions were implemented by the Sussex Netball Development Officer (NDO), in partnership with the programming team from Freedom Leisure and Mid Sussex District Council. The Sussex County Committee supported the project through committee member time.
Results
Lessons: 
The league has sustained Back to Netball participants and has grown to accommodate a further two teams. Two participants have recently gone on to complete the UKCC Level 1 Coaching certificate and one participant has recently passed her C umpiring award and has implemented an umpire mentoring scheme. There is now a netball infrastructure in an area where until a year ago there was no opportunity for adult netball.
Evaluation: 
The committee were relatively new to the sport, and needed more support than was expected. The NDO and local Sport Development Unit were able to support, particularly in terms of submitting a funding bid. Back to Netball is very successful in engaging women that otherwise would not participate in competitive sport. By ensuring that the gentle reintroduction message is communicated, other sports could run similar projects. Working in close partnership with local authorities and keeping communication lines open with all partners is imperative.
Themes

Opening up access to facilities

Previously, facility use was dominated by male 5-a-side football and 'pay and play' badminton.  In an equality usage review, this was identified and now time, both indoor and outdoor, is dedicated to female groups.

Growing and sustaining participation

Initially Back to Netball sessions were run to increase participation and across the four sites, over 100 women were introduced to the sport. By starting a competitive league this has not only sustained activity but many of the women continue to train, so has increased overall levels of activity.

Workforce development

A number of the participants have gone on to complete coaching and officiating qualifications which were funded through the Sport England Small Grant.  The County Committee have also provided mentoring to increase the standards of umpiring.  Six participants have formed a committee and oversee all aspects of the general running of the league, including management of finances and umpiring and training. 

Promotion,  Marketing and raising the profile

The league has been featured in the local newspaper on a number of occasions and the group have also set up a Facebook group to communicate with participants. 

Rebranding and revisioning sport

The initial Back to Netball sessions were branded as a gentle introduction to the sport, in a fun and social environment.  With the introduction of the league, it has quickly become more competitive.

Targeting confidence and self-esteem issues

Many of the participants were very nervous prior to the initial Back to Netball sessions and going into competitive fixtures.  The back to basics nature of Back to Netball very much addresses the perceived psychological barriers some participants may use as a barrier to participation.  A number of the ladies commented how they couldn’t believe that they were playing netball again, after not participating for twenty years.    

Health and wellbeing

Weight loss has been noted as an outcome of the league.  Many of the participants previously did no physical activity, prior to their participation in the Back to Netball sessions

Key links: 
Netball England