Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Culture Media & Sport, visited Leigh Sports Village this week to see for himself what attracts over 1.1 million people in the UK to play netball.
The day showcased a full spectrum of what the country has to offer and demonstrated that no matter what age you are or what skill set you possess, everyone can play netball.
Paul Clark, CEO of England Netball, said: “We are delighted that such an important political figure could attend our event and experience first hand why netball is so popular with girls and women of all ages in this country. At a time when sport and healthy living is so important, it is vital that netball continues to attract as many participants as possible.”
Jumping onto court first was Tyldesley Netball Club and Coach Emma Heap. The team’s 30 players aged between seven and 25 were put through their paces as they demonstrated some excellent playing techniques. Emma commented “Our Club was formed seven years ago and now has an encouraging 60 members. The team all played fantastically well and really enjoyed the opportunity to show off their skills and chat with Andy Burnham.”
Britain’s young talent was second on the court and out in force, with many players from the Manchester area demonstrating just what they were capable of with Regional Talent Coach, Karen Greig.
To round off the day nicely, the ‘Back to Netball’ session invited many of the mums present to take part in a game. Coordinating the session was Liz Burdis, who confirmed to date, the programme had attracted many women to get back into the sport and play regularly on a social basis.
Secretary of State for Culture Media & Sport, Andy Burnham, said: “It’s great to see all the talented players, and brilliant seeing the young kids playing and then staying on to watch. But the most useful thing has been seeing ‘Back to Netball’. So many women and girls have been lost to sport who needn’t, and ‘Back to Netball’ is taking that on.”
