The England women’s netball team, who won gold at this year’s Commonwealth Games, have revealed that one of the secrets to their success is a term they’ve coined: Funetherness.
Speaking after England Netball won team of the year at the BT Sport Action Woman of the Year Awards, captain Ama Agbeze explained that funetherness is a team motto that’s “a combination of fun and togetherness”.
The Telegraph reported on her comments, noting that it took a lot of work to create that exceptional team bond, and for everyone involved to buy into it.
Ms Agbeze also told the newspaper why funetherness was so important for the team. “When things are fun you push yourself more and have a laugh. Everyone always goes on about family but it’s just like that with us,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of hard work when it comes to their success on the court this year. Four years ago, the team lost their semi-final match against New Zealand by a single point, and then went on to lose the bronze medal playoff to Jamaica.
Since then, they have put in a lot of time and effort to get back to winning ways and it’s clear the work is paying off. However, Ms Agbeze stressed that they’re not going to relax, with the Netball World Cup set to be hosted in the UK next year.
Netball has been placed firmly in the spotlight by the winning England team, whose win in the Commonwealth Games final has also been nominated for the Greatest Moment of the Year, an award which will be handed out at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony later this month.
If you’re inspired to start playing, look for Reigate netball lessons in the new year and get involved.