Project Brighton: Walking netballers celebrate first anniversary

South Downs Leisure’s Walking netballers recently celebrated their first anniversary of starting sessions at Worthing Leisure Centre, enjoying their landmark with cake in the Coffee House after their weekly session.

Head Walking Netball coach, Alison Hall said: “I feel both privileged and proud to be part of the indoor walking netball sessions at South Downs Leisure. It’s great to see how participation levels have increased over the last twelve months, with us regularly having 22 players at each session. It’s not only a fantastic way to get fit, but it’s fun too, with the opportunity to make many friends along the way.”

The game of Walking Netball has evolved from an ever-increasing demand for walking sports and follows in the rise in popularity of Walking Football. Often, one of netball’s strengths is that people never forget playing the sport and the memories as well as the love for the game never leave.

Walking Netball is a slower version of the game; it is netball, but at a walking pace. Aimed at the over 50’s or those with limited or restricted mobility, however the game has been designed so that anyone can play it regardless of age or fitness level.

These sessions have brought fun, laughter and camaraderie back into the lives of many…

South Downs Leisure’s Walking netball sessions take place at Worthing Leisure Centre on Wednesdays, from 11.30am to 12.30pm, and are hosted thanks to the Big Lottery Fund and the People’s Project. These sessions have brought fun, laughter and camaraderie back into the lives of many, as well as the health benefits on offer. It can give those who feel isolated a social outlet, provide an activity for those who don’t deem themselves fit enough to run anymore and even offer a stepping stone for those looking for a pathway back into netball.

Ali Hall went on to say, “We often get together at the end of a session for a coffee and catch up in the Coffee House. I think most of the players would agree, that walking netball has had a really positive impact on their general wellbeing and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can develop it further moving forward.”
Worthing Leisure Centre also host Walking Football sessions and tournaments, as well as hosting the Phoenix club which is a social sports and leisure club for the over 50’s. The Phoenix club meet most Fridays, offering a wide range of fitness, health and leisure activities, alongside friendship.

If you want to find out more about the Phoenix Club please contact Jeanie Dickenson on 01903 694657. For more information on Walking Netball or Football sessions, please contact 01903 905050 or visit www.southdownsleisure.co.uk