Sport
Why I Love my Sport: Netball
Get yourself to the NSC on a Friday evening at 7pm
Why do you love netball?
It’s a very enjoyable sport to play first and foremost. It’s been a great way to meet new people and I now have a greater appreciation of how big netball is on the island. Our training sessions are with coaches and players from the Manx Rams netball team so it’s great to have their input, help and give advice on how each of us can improve our game.
How did you start playing?
I actually played netball in Primary school. Our teacher at the time was heavily into netball and would troop the whole class outside onto the lovely concrete court (playground), in all weathers to have us run around and wear us all out. My wife and daughter both play netball so it was inevitable that I would follow (nothing to do with the constant nagging!) as I would often tell them how good I was and how easy netball is. This obviously caused much disagreement around the dinner table! (I am not good, and it is not that easy).
What’s the best thing about your sport?
The fitness aspect is a huge draw for me. It’s pretty much constant little sprints for an hour so I am finding it helps this aging body of mine! I like the opportunity of learning new things so, although I knew the basics of Netball, there is much more to it than I originally thought. It has made me much more spatially aware which I have taken into football – a sport I’ve always played.
What’s the best moment from your sport?
Easy one really, playing for the Isle of Man Men’s team at the UK Nationals earlier this year. It’s an eye-opener to see how many men’s and mixed teams there are around the UK and how good the players are. It was great to have the opportunity to play against these teams and it’s an annual event so fingers crossed we’ll be there again next year.
What improvement would you make to your sport?
We have to get more men involved so eventually there would be enough men playing to create a mens, and or, mixed league. I would urge men to come and watch one of our games on a Sunday at the NSC or the up-and-coming Isle of Man Men V Guernsey Men double header (10 & 11 November also at the NSC).
How can people get involved?
Get yourself to the NSC on a Friday evening at 7pm, everyone will be made most welcome. Don’t worry if you don’t know the rules, the coaches will soon have you up to speed! If you want to know more before committing to training then have a look on the Isle of Man Netball Facebook page or send an e-mail to development@netball.im
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