Netball is played by one million women and girls a week in the UK, and is one of the most popular female team games in the world. However, as with numerous sports, many women who have played at school, college and University cease playing following education.

'Back to Netball' is a current England Netball initiative that is happening up and down the country encouraging women to return to the sport and is proving to be a great success. According to the ladies that took part in the Hastings 'Back to Netball' sessions, it was much like riding a bike. "Once that initial chest pass has been thrown, it felt like I'd never stopped." Netball is also a great way to stay fit and healthy and just one hour can burn up to 660 calories. Whether it is about rediscovering sporting abilities you forgot you had or about getting active again, these sessions cater for all abilities.

There have been a number of successful ‘Back to Netball’ schemes run in Sussex. Previous sessions have run in Lancing and Hastings and have led to the development of leagues in those areas.

Christine, captain of newly formed team Emeralds in the Lancing League says “We are enjoying the experience and having fun, even though our team is bottom of the league, we can only improve.”

For ‘Back to Netball’ sessions across the county and other opportunities to play, please see Play Netball on the homepage.

NEW SESSIONS STARTING IN CHICHESTER, CRAWLEY AND LITTLEHAMPTON - JANUARY 2010