Whether you’re a beginner, an athlete or an old hand coming back into the game, this is how to get your netball game on in Leeds.
Netball is great for your health, your social life and your confidence, but when it comes to joining a league or learning how to play, you might not know where to start. And that’s where we come in, because we’ve rounded up the best ways to get into the sport in Leeds. From competitive leagues to training academies and even walking netball sessions, there’s loads of ways to get involved or rediscover this secondary school pastime.
Walking Netball with England Netball
Need something a little easier on the joints? Walking Netball may be just the ticket. The same rules apply, but instead of running there’s a strict walking-only policy. England Netball have set up classes all over the country to help people of all ages and abilities get into the sport. And the good news is – there are two right here in Leeds, at both Kippax and Aireborough Leisure Centre. You’ll run through warm-up exercises, take part in mini games and drills before getting stuck into a proper game. The sessions are always welcoming and full of laughs, with all the health benefits you’d expect with all that walking.
Back to Netball with England Netball
Were you on the netball team at school? Back to Netball gives you the chance to get back into it. It’s a one-hour class that will teach you all the basics of the game in a fun, supportive environment. It’s primarily for women who haven’t played for a long time or have never played at all. So even if you’re a beginner, you can hone your passing and shooting skills, with the support of your coach and team. They have two netball clubs in Leeds, one at Kippax Leisure Centre and another at Aireborough Leisure Centre. Both have a relaxed atmosphere that will help you build your confidence and get you back out on the court.
Play Netball Leeds
Play Netball Leeds is a laidback social league provider (the biggest in the country!) that lets you embrace your competitive side against players of a similar skill level. Their netball seasons last 8 to 14 weeks and tournaments vary in size, depending on how many teams and players register for each. Games take place every Tuesday at Crawshaw Academy in Pudsey. You can sign up as either a complete team or as an individual (like over 80% of their players). They’ll add you to the league or match you up with other players looking for a team. And just like that, you’ll soon be assigned your positions and get to training.
Trinity Netball
Trinity Netball runs one of Leeds’ and Bradford’s biggest all-female social netball leagues. But it’s also home to one of the largest mixed netball leagues in Yorkshire – giving men a chance to play the traditional female game too. It doesn’t matter what level you’re at, whether you’ve never played before or you’re a pro, everyone can get involved. From high quality intense games to fun experiences for beginners – as netball goes, they’ve got it all. And because their games take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at several venues across Leeds, you’ll be able to find a game to fit around your schedule.
Netball Nights
With seven different leagues spread across the Leeds region and even more to come, Netball Nights put on sessions throughout the week. Their seasons range from five to six-months-long and with matches on every week at multiple locations, so you can really finesse your throw and perfect your footwork. If you join a larger league, you’ll be split into a division that closely matches your abilities. They provide the umpires and equipment for each and every match, all you have to do is bring yourself along for a night of friendly competition and bonding with your new teammates and soon-to-be besties.
GO Mammoth
The Leeds YMCA plays host to GO Mammoth, a fun and easygoing netball league with 10-person squads that go head-to-head every week. They provide all the equipment and there’s even an umpire to oversee each match. You can play weekly 40-minute games at the Otley Road venue, with each season lasting 8 to 12 weeks. Sign up as an individual, a small group or as a full squad if you know enough players – and if you win your league, you’ll walk away with some epic prizes (as well as all the glory). Bonus points for special deals at the local partner bar for post-game celebrations.
Leeds Rhinos Netball Performance Pathway
Leeds Rhinos Netball runs a training programme designed to help young netball players compete at a national level. Aspiring athletes can join the Performance Pathway in four different age categories, from the Under-15s to the Under-21s. Their academy is the most prestigious in Leeds and you’ll need to complete a trial before you can begin your training, so this is for serious players only. But there are other ways to get involved, like the Rhinos Netball Summer Camps. Open to 7 to 11 and 12 to 16-year-olds, the kids can take part in a variety of sessions, from ball handling to footwork patterns and agility, with fun games too.
