On Saturday 25 March, Netball Scotland tutor Clare McNab travelled to the David Keswick Athletic Centre in Dumfries to deliver a Walking Netball Facilitators Training course to 14 volunteers from across the region, with some attending from as far as Stranraer and Gretna.
By participating and completing the training course, the volunteers are now able to deliver safe and fun walking netball sessions locally. The course covered everything from the history and rules of walking netball to planning sessions and the practical delivery of the sport. The Women and Girls Physical Activity Coordinator, from Dumfries and Galloway Councils Active Communities team, will now work with the all-female volunteer facilitators to establish walking netball groups across Dumfries and Galloway.
Walking netball has evolved from a growing demand for walking sports. It is suitable for all ages and abilities and is a slower version of the game. It is netball, but at a walking pace, with adapted rules and court size. It is also able to provide numerous health benefits and encourages social connectedness. This new development is another addition to the Active Communities programme, focusing on physical activity opportunities for older adults.
Chair of Communities Committee, Councillor Ian Blake said: “It is great to now be able to offer walking netball in Dumfries and Galloway, particularly given the success of walking sports in recent years. To have a number of volunteer facilitators from across the region trained to be able to deliver another physical activity opportunity is fantastic. Physical activity initiatives such as this will positively assist individuals to live active, healthy and independent lives while also developing social interactions and wellbeing”.
Vice Chair, Councillor Jackie McCamon said: “It is wonderful to now be able to offer walking sports, such as walking netball, as part of the wider Active Communities programme in Dumfries and Galloway. This programme will contribute positively to enhancing the health and wellbeing of people in the region which we serve. I look forward to seeing walking netball being delivered in towns and villages around Dumfries and Galloway”.
