Back To Netball
Even though this Back 2 Netball session isn’t the biggest in Manchester the effect it has had on the local community and women and girls is notable. The session has attracted a variety of women from the Moss Side area. These Women included those who usually wouldn’t have accessed netball due to social, cultural and religious reasons.
The sessions were designed to cater for these issues, allowing the girls to participate within the sport in a safe and relaxed environment, where they can develop their individual and collective self esteem, and mutual respect for one another.
The scheme has been a massive success due to the hard work and dedication of volunteer coach Valrose Dunn and recently supported by Denise Thompson of Flava Netball Club. Valrose has been involved within Netball in the City for years and the girls could not be learning from a better person.
The group has now formed into a team and are playing in the Trafford Summer Netball League and are looking forward to playing in the FASTNET Back 2 Netball tournament in Liverpool. The women are also currently involved in designing a team kit which incorporate matching leggings and head scarf’s so they can continue to play despite the cultural and religious issues they face.
Valrose Dunn on the success of the Moss Side Back 2 Netball sessions, “Working with the women has been very enjoyable, challenging and a fun experience. All of the players are very committed and dedicated, wants to learn about netball and to work with others who have the same interest as them. These sessions as also brought together women from different cultural background who have lived and work within the community not just for netball this includes health etc”
Helen Davies on the success of the Moss side Back 2 Netball sessions, “The sessions held at Moss Side shows how an initiative like Back 2 Netball can be used to not only tackle issues such as physical activity but others such as bringing communities together – the Moss Side Back 2 Session is a great example of how netball can help engage a diverse community. A massive thank you must go to Valrose who has worked with the women – she has done a great job!”