#SPOTLIGHT | Meet the Team: Walking Netball Activators
21st April 2019
What is Walking Netball?
In the Summer of 2017, Netball Scotland, in partnership with Age Scotland, launched Walking Netball. Having originated as a pilot scheme in the Grampian region, this hugely popular programme is now booming across the country and is being supported by a team of Walking Netball Activators.
The Walking Netball programme was made possible by funding from the Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity fund, which funds 17 projects across the country, all of which will use the power of sport to effect positive change in local communities. The fund is a collaboration between the Scottish Government, sportscotland, the Robertson Trust and Spirit of 2012.
Netball Scotland, in partnership with Age Scotland, were one of the projects to receive funding to support the development of our Walking Netball – More Than A Game project. The funding facilitated the appointment of 3 Walking Netball Activators in the West, East and Grampian Regions, whose aim is to positively impact the lives of those who engage in the Walking Netball programme and promote the positive impact of Sport on a Community.
For more information of the CLTSPA fund click here.
Meet the Team
Billy Singh: WN Activator for the West of Scotland.
Billy has over 25 years’ experience in the charity/sports sector. A varied career which includes Campaign Manager for Show Racism the Red Card and General Manager of The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Trust. He is also an associate tutor for The Social Enterprise Academy and a branch secretary for GMB Scotland trade union. Before joining Netball Scotland in March 2019, Billy was also a key influencer in the development and growth of Walking Football across Scotland.
When asked about what he is looking forward to in his role as a Walking Netball Activator, Billy said: “I’m looking forward to increasing the number of walking netballers, organising regional and national festivals and experiencing first-hand the laughter and banter during sessions.”
If you are interested in attending or setting a session up, please feel free to contact Billy on WNWest@netballscotland.com
Kate Thomson: WN Activator for the East of Scotland.
After watching a Walking Netball showcase match in England, Kate decided to start her own Walking Netball group in her hometown of Peebles. This group has been running since April 2017 and has a regular group of 15 ladies who meet up for a fun “walking” netball session followed by tea, coffee and delicious cake! This experience lead Kate to apply for the role of Walking Netball Activator and she joined the Netball Scotland team in February 2019.
When asked about why she was so keen to take on this role, Kate said: “I hope to help develop and get people active through playing Walking Netball, in a safe, fun and enjoyable environment.”
If you are interested in attending or setting a session up, please feel free to contact Kate on WNEast@netballscotland.com
Alice McKnight: WN Activator for the Grampian region.
Alice joined Netball Scotland in February 2019 as a Walking Netball Activator for the Grampian area. Alice’s career history has seen her primarily working in the finance sector of the Oil and Gas industry in Aberdeen. She has dabbled in a few sports, but, growing up in Glasgow Alice’s main sport was always netball. In fact, Alice still plays competitively in the Aberdeen District Netball Association League.
When asked about why she wants to develop Walking Netball, Alice said: “As I get older I understand the importance of keeping fit and healthy, therefore, I’m excited about this role in being able to encourage others to reap the wellbeing benefits of what a team sport can provide from a physical health, mental health and friendship aspect.”
If you are interested in attending or setting a session up, please feel free to contact Alice on WNGramp@netballscotland.com
Why Walking Netball?
Walking netball is netball, but at a walking pace. The slower version of the game provides a level of activity tailored to member’s needs and offers players an environment to improve their health, while having fun and socialising, in a safe and comfortable environment. The aim of the game is to get the inactive, active by creating an inclusive community around netball. WN Sessions provide everyone a chance to #GetInvolved no matter their age, weight or ability in line with Netball Scotland’s #EveryBodyForNetball campaign.
For more information on Walking Netball and to hear from ‘The Walking Ladies of Aberdeen’ about why they think everyone should #GetInvolved click here.
