Walking Netball - a fantastic, social way to exercise.
Whether you want to get back into playing or fancy trying something new, Walking Netball sessions are fun and inclusive, with plenty of social benefits in addition to it being a fantastic way to exercise.
In July 2015, our Netball Development Officer at the time, Mo Squires, organised the first Walking Netball group at Dorcan Recreation Complex, as a result of the ever popular Walking Football activity being played throughout the UK.
Since then, Walking Netball has continued to grow in popularity and is now an official England Netball product being played throughout England, and as far away as Australia and New Zealand.
Walking Netball is just as the name suggests - at a walking pace. You can walk as fast as you like, but jumping is not allowed.
Mo had this to say:
"Walking Netball sessions are fun and inclusive, not to mention the excellent social benefits, in addition to obvious physical ones.
"The main difference between walking and regular netball are that jumping is not allowed, which in-turn helps protect the joints. You are also not able to run, with one foot in contact with the floor at all times. This rule change is a great leveller and means that, as long as you can walk, you can play walking netball."
Walking Netball has had a significant positive impact on many people's lives, whether it be a great source of exercise into their everyday lives, making friends or a new hobby to start.
Avid Walking Netball player, Kathryn, regularly attends sessions at Dorcan and had this to say:
"I attended my first Walking Netball session in August 2016, having not played since school some 40 years prior. I wanted to take part in more activity and felt this was a geat way to start.
"I admit I was a little apprehensive to start with as several of the ladies were ex-netballers, playing to a very high standard, but I decided to give it a go.
"And I need not have worried, such a lovely, welcoming group of ladies. I remember thinking Walking Netball seemed faster than the name implied, but was played in such good spirit. Not being a netballer was definitely not an issue, possibly even of benefit as the 'no running, no jumping' was easier to get to grips with.
"I loved the session and continued to go back for more. As I work full time as a clinical case worker, as well as qualified in physiotherapy, I certainly recognise the significant beenfits of participating in Walking Netball.
"The sessions really are great and available to everyone, and although there are the obvious health benefits, the Walking Netball community really does feel like an extended family, so supportive and caring. So many times I have gone away with an aching belly from all the laughing, but it is such an important part of the whole experience. It really is my lifesaver.
"I have also become a complete netball fan, having purchased a Team Bath season ticket for several years, went to the World Cup in Liverpool in 2019, the Commonwealth Games last year and many more international and Super League games, and it all started with Walking Netball for me.
"I have also now become qualified to actually take sessions, after attending a Walking Netball Host course back in November. So if I can pass on even a fraction of the passion I have for the game and the lovely ladies who play it, then job well done.
"If you're thinking about giving it a go, you really have nothing to lose and so much to gain".
Our Walking Netball sessions run every week:
Haydon Centre & Gym - Wednesday's 3pm-4pm
Dorcan Recreation Complex - Sunday's 11am-12pm
For more information, please email dannielle.bateman@gll.org.