Extending Activities - Milton Keynes Junior Netball League
Extending Activities funding has been used in Milton Keynes to establish a new Junior Netball League
Adult netball in Milton Keynes has been thriving for a number of years but few opportunities existed for young people to take part in club or competitive netball outside of school. The Bucks Sport Netball Development Officer identified the need to provide competitive opportunities for young people and engaged volunteers from schools, junior and senior netball clubs in Milton Keynes. Funding through the Extending Activities programme was secured to cover start up and running costs for the first 10 weeks, including an incentive for all new teams. Upon receipt of funding a multi-agency committee for the league was set up to ensure all interested parties were involved in the planning, running and sustainability of the league.
The provides the only regular competitive opportunities for junior netball players in Milton Keynes. The introduction of the league has lead to junior clubs running additional teams and has created the opportunity for lots more young people to play netball out side of school. The league runs on a Sunday morning and has received great support from parents, volunteers and local secondary schools; some of which are also entering teams. The league started in June with 5 teams and a total of 50 young people in the U12 age band and 7 teams and 80 young people in the U14 age band; a combined total of 7 of these teams are associated with local senior teams, and as such it is hoped they will provide exit routes for the players into adult teams to maintain their engagement in the sport.
The league is benefitting from the support of the Milton Keynes Senior Netball League who provide umpires for the league, some senior clubs have developed new junior sections at their club and more are looking to do so in September. All young people, parents, coaches and officials involved in the league are amazed at the fun and enjoyment young people are getting from the sessions and the high standard of netball that is developing. The officials and volunteers are very supportive to the young people and have helped several beginners understand the rules.
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