England Netball is the national governing body for England’s biggest female team sport. We have recently launched our new 10 year Adventure Strategy to uphold an unapologetic focus on women and girls whilst opening the game for new audiences. We have been working in partnership with Leeds Community Parks to implement the Safer Parks Guidance by increasing visibility and access to female team sports in public spaces. We would like to deliver weekly Back to Netball sessions in Meanwood Park during the summer and make it a more inclusive space for women and girls. Back to Netball is a proven programme played by 795,000 women each year nationally. Providing free, hyper-local opportunities to take part in sport will remove some of the barriers that women face in accessing sport which will boost female users of the park and improve females’ sense of belonging.

What we'll deliver:

• Deliver 10 x 1hr Community Netball Sessions
• Support and train a volunteer coach
• Set up a new Community Netball Club

Why it's a great idea:

We also understand other barriers to participation that is why NetballHer is a golden thread that runs through all our programmes it is a programme to support females participating in sport about their bodies across different life stages. We provide free menstrual products at all our sessions and information through our resource hub and signposting to support. Working in partnership with Leeds Rhinos Community Foundation and Active Leeds we will identify a local resident to upskill to undertake a Level 2 Netball Coaching qualification. This will empower the community to develop their own netball provision in Meanwood Park and the further community.

Steps to get it done:

• Create marketing assets
• Recruit participants
• Identify volunteers
• Support group to become a constituted group
• Support volunteers
• Enter competitions & provide regular netball