Women encouraged to join South Shields walking netball group

The new fortnightly sessions in the game will take place at Westoe Crown Hub, South Shields.

Last season saw around 20 women taking part in a slowed-down version of the sport.

The sessions, made possible thanks to funding from the Coalfield’s Regeneration Trust which enabled the group to buy equipment, are led by Janet Wylie who is calling on more women to take part.

She said: “The netball has been off for three months, but now we are back we would love to attract new members.

“People are more than welcome to come along on the night and give it a go, to find out what it is like.”

The game has evolved following a growing demand for walking sports with rules from the original game being adapted, including an extra second being allowed when receiving the ball in a bid to improve the momentum of the game and a player can take two steps when receiving the ball.

The sessions are open to all abilities from those who may have played at school, to those who have never played before.

The sessions, costing £3, take place fortnightly on a Wednesday night, starting tomorrow, from 5pm until 6pm.

For details contact Mrs Wylie on 455 4830 or 07954 413 542.