The former professional netball player Serena Guthrie will lead an inclusive sporting festival in Jersey this summer. BBC News reports that Ms Guthrie aims to introduce sports including cricket and netball to new audiences with lessons and taster sessions, and wants to emphasise the mental health benefits of taking part in sport.
Ms Guthrie has had a distinguished netball career, acquiring 110 England caps over 15 years. The ex-England captain won a gold medal with the England Team at the Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2018, and has won gold and silver medals in the World Netball Series. She also played for Team Bath and Giants Netball.
Since retiring from professional sport in 2022, Ms Guthrie has worked as performance Lead for Jersey Netball, and has launched a youth scheme to encourage more young people to take up the sport. She will play a leading role in the upcoming Sport for Alll event on 26 August at Grainville School, Jersey.
Ms Guthrie told the BBC: “Sport for Alll is inspired by a desire to create a more inclusive and active community. It’s about removing barriers and making sport accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, background or circumstance.”
The organisers of the festival emphasise the many benefits of taking part in sports such as netball lessons. It not only promotes good physical fitness but also encourages youngsters to develop good self esteem, more confidence and better social skills.
The event aims to break down barriers to participation, and encourage participants to have fun whatever their knowledge and sporting abilities may be. Entry is free, and there will be food and drink and family entertainment, as well as sports and wellness activities.