The founder of Empire Netball Club in Crosby has claimed that the sport has been negatively impacted by the pandemic and that the current restrictions are unfair for local netball teams.
Champion News reports that Jenny Taylor, who helped create the Crosby netball club along with Michelle Scarfe, believes that in comparison to male-dominated sports such as football or rugby, netball has been unfairly and badly affected.
England Netball has been putting pressure on the government after the numerous changes to coronavirus regulations, which include reducing the numbers allowed to play team sports indoors to a maximum of six people.
With netball relying on the use of indoor courts, Jenny makes the point that it has become very difficult for clubs to continue operating, and has left Empire Netball Club unable to train due to the restrictions.
Jenny said: “Since lockdown began, female sports have been massively restricted compared to the more male dominate sports like football and rugby. This means the women and girls in our community were prevented from playing the sport they loved!”
She added that while it was good to see the return of indoor junior netball, the restrictions mean that anyone over the age of 18 is unable to participate in indoor play, making it impossible for the sport to continue.
She also pointed to the lack of both indoor and outdoor facilities in the North West, as well as it being less than ideal for playing outdoors in winter.
However, there is some good news for Empire Netball Club, and also other Crosby-based clubs, after local netball coaches and volunteers were nominated for the Golden Globe Awards, run each year by England Netball.
If you’re looking for netball training kit, visit our online store today.