England Netball have been given a major financial boost by Sport England, which is funded by the government and the National Lottery. As well as a cash investment of £21.2m, they will be supported with further expert advice to bring the fun and rewarding sport of netball to women and girls in the UK.
Netball is transforming its image from a game that is only played in PE lessons, to an inclusive and exciting sport that can be played by all ages and abilities. It is great for improving overall fitness levels, including cardio, flexibility, and strength. The game also encourages teamwork, and is an ideal way to make new friends.
England Netball have been driving up interest in the sport, with the aim of levelling up access and dismantling barriers to entry. It is part of the organisation’s Adventure Strategy, which is designed to take the game to new audiences, and overcome the setbacks caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Fran Connolly, CEO of England Netball said: “This is a year like no other for England Netball and we are at the very beginning of a decade-long adventure that we will see us reimagine what our sport could be, connecting with our audiences more powerfully than ever before.”
She added: “We are incredibly grateful to Sport England for this level of support that will help to accelerate our ambitious and game-changing plan for netball.”
There is particular concern at the rate that teenage girls give up sports such as netball in the UK. According to the BBC, over half of girls aged between 12-16 don’t play sports. The main reasons given included because they didn’t feel good enough, or they wanted to concentrate on studies.
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