A NEW netball initiative has been launched to help Oldham remain at the forefront of the sport.
‘Netball In The Community,’ which was set up in September, has its roots in Saddleworth with its four founders all based in the area.
Debbie Chapman is from Delph, her daughter Suzy lives in Greenfield while Debbie Hallas and Rachel Henry are from Lees.
They all have vast experience of playing and coaching the sport at the highest level while Debbie Hallas provides business acumen as she is Managing Director of Netball UK.
They formed their enterprise after Debbie was made redundant from her job as Oldham’s netball development officer, a post she had held for ten years.
The four enthusiasts were determined to maintain the work Debbie had done in developing the sport in Oldham, whose team are the current national champions at under-14 and 16 level as well as open age.
Suzy said: “We didn’t want to lose what has been built up over 10 years and were determined to continue development in Oldham which is unique.
“Oldham is recognised nationally and we are hoping our Netball In The Community programme can make it even better.”
They have devised a schedule to appeal to all ages and abilities ranging from ‘Little Netterz’ aged from five years to attract women back to the sport.
School holiday activities will also be held while netball parties can be arranged as well as coaching programmes and staff training.
More than 100 Little Netterz have already signed up and the long-term goal is to provide a pathway for players to progress to clubs.
Saddleworth Netball Club and Oldham Netball Club are key partners as well as providing sponsorship along with Oldham Motor Company and Fit UK.
Further details can be found at www.netballinthecommunity.co.uk or by contacting debbie@netballinthecommunity.co.uk or calling 07740456215; rachel@netballinthecommunity.co.uk or calling 07971348228.
Netball schedule:
Monday
Waterhead Academy
Little Netterz 4.30-6pm Ages 5-13
Ladies Netball 6.15-7.30pm
Tuesday
Waterhead Academy
Little Netterz League 5-6pm
Hathershaw
Play and pay league 5-8pm ages vary
Wednesday
The Oldham Academy North
6.30- 8pm ages 7-14
Primary school league 4-5.30pm
Oasis Academy
5-6pm ages 7-14
Friday
Saddleworth School
Little Netterz 3.45-5pm ages 5-11
Saturday
Hulme Grammar School
Little Netterz 9-10.30am ages 5-11
Pay and play league under 13s 10.45-12pm
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