What are the secrets behind one of Macclesfield Leisure Centre's fastest-growing sports?
By Alex Greensmith
13th Aug 2024 | Advertisement Features
If the Olympics has got you inspired, why not get involved with local sport?
While it is not an Olympic sport, we reached out to Macclesfield Leisure Centre to find out about what sport they would like us to shine a light on.
And it was actually one of their fastest-growing sports, and the answer may surprise you.
Walking netball is a relatively new, popular sport held every week at Macclesfield Leisure Centre.
It is targeted towards the over 50s and follows on from the similar game of walking football which has increased in popularity over the past decade.
The sport features slowed down, stripped down rules, aimed at providing good exercise while reducing the risk of injury.
Macclesfield Leisure Centre providers Everybody Health and Leisure provide the sessions. We asked them about what the secrets are to its success.
"Walking netball has been designed so that anyone can play it regardless of age or fitness level," they said.
"From those who have dropped out of the sport they love due to serious injury to those who believed they had hung up their netball trainers many years ago, walking netball really is for everyone."
According to England Netball, walking netball allows 'women to find their place in sport', that 'gives access to a whole world of connection, laughter and fun'. And cites the off-court experience being as important as the on-court one. They estimate 37,000 people take part in walking netball across England.
Coach Trudy, who organises sessions in Macclesfield and Wilmslow said: "Walking netball is for people who want to get fit, we usually say over 50s, but if someone has got a medical condition and feels they can not cope with the real thing, they are younger, we are happy to take them on too.
"Most of the ladies have only done netball at school. So they can be a bit intimidated to start with, but soon find they can be really fit and really enjoy it.
"It is a social thing as much as an exercise thing".
Volunteer helper at Macclesfield Walking Netball Joan said: "If Trudy is away, I will take the session.
"It is really enjoyable. Most people come along, and they are really timid, but they soon get into it."
The Macclesfield sessions take place at 10am on a Tuesday, lasting 60 minutes.
"It doesn't matter how good you are, everyone is welcome," added Trudy.
"Just turn up, bring a good pair of shoes, and let us know if you have a medical condition."
In fact, the sessions are going so well, that they decided to recently expand the socialising and competition between the players to be borough-wide.
Congleton Leisure Centre recently held a walking netball tournament that welcomed seven teams made up of participants from weekly sessions including, Macclesfield, Alderley Park, Poynton, Congleton, Holmes Chapel, Middlewich, and Wilmslow, totalling 55 participants.
Congleton Phoenix Blue came out victorious, but the competitiveness of the event was matched with a high spirit of camaraderie.
Congleton attendee Christine Stewart shared how attending walking netball has helped her both physically and mentally.
"I have found walking netball a godsend. Two-and-half years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer and during the months of treatment my husband passed away," she said.
"I needed to get back on my feet both physically and mentally. I had never played netball before and I have not looked back. It gives me exercise, camaraderie and social activity which I needed, although not nearly as much now."
A small fee is required per session, price dependent on your relationship with Macclesfield Leisure Centre.
You can watch a video about the sport at the top of this article. And you can book walking netball in Macclesfield on THIS LINK.
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