Netball Scotland Reflects: The Steady Rise of Junior Netball Clubs
2nd October 2023
Netball Scotland has observed a notable 15% increase in membership over the past year, a testament to the growth and resilience of our communities. At the heart of this surge lies the growth of junior members +18% compared with this time last year, setting a new course for the future of the sport.
The 18% growth in junior members is a testament to the expanding opportunities for girls in team sports, underscoring the significance of inclusion and empowerment. Three standout benefits of netball for these young players are:
- Confidence Building: Netball fosters self-belief both on and off the court.
- Teamwork: It champions the essence of collaboration and mutual reliance.
- Holistic Health: The sport contributes to both physical fitness and mental agility.
Grassroots Growth and Dedication
New junior netball hubs are finding their footing in Scotland. Their growth is marked by dedication, perseverance, and a genuine love for the game. We reached out to Stef from Summerston Netball Club, a fresh addition to our netball family, for some insights:
- What inspired the formation of your junior netball club?
“ I was inspired to set up a junior club because as a netball player myself, I know first-hand the benefits of being part of a club environment. As a teacher working in the area where my club is situated, I was aware of the growing interest and enthusiasm around netball. However, there was a lack of local clubs available.
I wanted to provide an opportunity for young players take part in regular training sessions where they could develop their social skills, build friendships, learn and improve their netball skills.
We pride ourselves on inclusivity, diversity and adapt our coaching styles to suit the needs of all players.
We provide our players the opportunity to compete socially and competitively in local competitions to build a sense of achievement and opportunities to bond as a team.”
- Could you share your experiences regarding the interest in joining? How has the community responded?
“We have been blown away by the response to our new club. We had 60+ girls attend our launch night, with almost all returning for sessions thereafter.
We worked very closely with Netball Scotland, Glasgow Life, and local Active Schools co-ordinators to generate interest in the local community.
We also had support from other junior netball clubs who kindly passed our details onto players who were on a waiting list. We are very lucky to have such great support in our community.”
- In your perspective, what does netball bring to our young players and the wider community?
“Netball brings several benefits to our young players; from physical fitness, teamwork, social skills, discipline, confidence and inclusivity.
We have 6 young leaders (aged 11-14) who are developing their leadership skills by supporting our younger players in their sessions which not only gives them great experience for their own development but also provides our younger players with positive role models.
Overall, Netball contributes to the physical, social and emotional development of young players, while building a stronger and more connected community.
One of our players parents recently messaged us to say ‘Niamh absolutely adores the sessions. After two sessions she is hooked and says it is her favourite part of the week’
Impact of Netball
Netball, for many of our young participants, is more than just a sport. It’s an avenue for growth, camaraderie, and understanding the values of teamwork and discipline. While each goal scored is celebrated, the true victory lies in the lessons learned, friendships forged, and the character built both on and off the court.
Looking Ahead
As Netball Scotland continues to support and acknowledge these new chapters in our sporting narrative, we are reminded of the importance of community, dedication, and the simple joy of playing a game loved by many. We’re optimistic about what the future holds and proud of the groundwork being laid by these junior clubs.
This growth in participation perfectly aligns with Netball Scotland’s wider objectives. As an organisation, we aim not just to promote netball but to reinforce its role in fostering community spirit, instilling discipline, and offering an inclusive platform for all. The recent surge in junior clubs isn’t just about numbers; it reflects our commitment to these ideals and our hope to position netball as an integral part of Scotland’s sporting identity.
Here’s to the journey ahead and the promising horizon that awaits our young netballers. If you or someone you know would like to get involved in netball you can find your local club via our club finder.
If you are interested in setting up a club in your local area please get in touch with katelyn.williamson@netballscotland.com
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