As we get older, the sports we loved can start to get a little harder to play. We might be recovering from illness or an injury, or perhaps we’re just not as fit as we once were.
Walking sports are a great way of continuing to play the games we love while not having the physical demands on our bodies.
If you’ve not heard of walking sports, they are traditional activities – football, cricket, netball etcetera – but played at a slower pace. This makes them more accessible to people who can no longer be able to play the faster paced versions of their preferred sport.
Walking Netball is very similar to the usual game only there is no running and jumping – just fast walking and accurate passing. You can watch a video of Debbie Eldridge from Bexhill Walking Netball talking about the sport on our Youtube channel.
The Bexhill Belles
Bexhill Belles Walking Netball is a fantastic place to take part in a more relaxed version of the sport. The sessions have even been recommended by a physio at a local hospital for ladies who need a gentle route back to full fitness.
The group was started in 2016 by Anne Brooks, a former Physical Education teacher. She wanted to continue playing a form of netball and share her knowledge and enthusiasm for the game.
This enthusiasm continues ten years on by all players, and the group’s “Netball Hosts” who bring different skills and fun games to each session. The group’s three Hosts have attended courses run by All England Netball Association, subsidised by Rother District Council.
The Bexhill Belles hold its practice sessions each Monday at 11am at Freedom Leisure, Downs Road, Bexhill. Please contact Bexhill Leisure Centre for more information.
Club member Debbie Eldridge (pictured below) says the focus of the sessions is on balance, safety, mobility and working as a team – sharing and inclusiveness. ‘We teach specific netball skills & movements, rules of the game and tactics which stimulate body and brain, increase fitness and you feel you’re buzzing in the afternoon,’ she says. ‘Our new ladies are brimming with smiles and excitement after the first session and can’t wait to come back. We have a lot of fun and chat.’
Health and wellbeing benefits
The health and wellbeing benefits of walking sports are numerous. Walking Netball will get the heart and lungs working and being immersed in the game will mean you don’t even realise how much energy you are using.
Debbie says the game is mentally stimulating as there are several rules to learn along the way, although anyone joining does not need to know anything about netball.
‘The key to our team play is friendship and laughter,’ says Deborah. ‘Our club and many others were started to persuade older ladies to start moving whilst being in a social group. Many of us have played good netball in the past, but some have not. We are all over 50 and most over 60 and from all walks of life.’
Words of praise
Some of the group’s longstanding and newest members share their thoughts on playing the sport and joining the group:
“I absolutely loved being introduced to this new sport and to be able to be part of a team, get stronger and learn new skills. I have made many new really good friends through walking netball … this has helped me enormously over the years since moving to Bexhill in 2015.”
“I always look forward to my netball sessions which I have been doing for many years. Not only is it physically and mentally stimulating but I’ve made lots of new friends.”
“My physio has told me I no longer need to attend her sessions as the netball is providing all I need. Following surgery netball has helped me so I can now raise my arms above my head.”
Join in the fun
The Bexhill Belles is not just about the health benefits of playing the sport.
The wellbeing benefits of joining the group come from knowing you joining a friendly, welcoming environment. This includes refreshments after the game each week, occasional gatherings at a player’s home, and a Christmas lunch. They have even met on the beach for a paddle or swim. The group’s WhatsApp group also enables people to discuss activities and show their support for others who may be having occasional difficulties.
‘This warm support is due to the closeness we have gained from this netball community,’ says Debbie.
Getting competitive
Regular Walking Netball Tournaments are organised by the local Netball Development officer Sammy Vine. The Bexhill Belles recently entered a Sussex Walking Netball Tournament in Eastbourne against teams of all ages and abilities from Sussex. This was held in celebration of 100 years of All England Netball.
Learn more about The positive impact of walking sport activities for older people in our Article, which includes links to many other walking sport groups.