NETBALL – NOT JUST FOR GIRLS

Jamie Howes, aged 11 from Plymstock, has been selected for an England Netball Satellite Academy.  Jamie, an active member of Plymstock Junior Netball Club, succeeded at the trials on his performance and skill level and is the first boy in the area to have broken through what has always been thought of as a woman’s sport.

The academy, for players aged 11 to 14, runs over 10 weeks and improves athlete’s individual abilities. Coaches also provide training on other areas including nutrition and lifestyle management and players keep a log book of all their physical activity.

Karen Jones, Devon’s netball development officer said ‘More and more men and boys are playing Netball, especially at university and in primary school. The weekly TV coverage on Sky of our Super League has dispelled the myth that Netball is just for girls. It’s a very fast, physical game with lots to offer men and women. Men’s clubs are being set up across the country and now that it’s played by boys in primary schools, more and more are joining junior clubs. Netball can be played as a mixed game in schools up to GCSE level and I’d like to see the formation of boys clubs in the area.’

ENDS
Editors Notes. For more information contact Karen Jones, Active Devon Netball Officer on 07970 544406 or e-mail Karen.jones@devon.gov.uk