For many young girls across Bedford, getting involved in netball can be the first step to growing a passion for competitive sport.
Local schools and clubs, including Real Bedford Netball Club (RBNC), provide opportunities for girls to learn the game, compete against other teams, and develop their skills, with some, including me, progressing into county and national pathways.
But for others, the opportunity to take to the court can be harder to come by, and there are many barriers that may stand between a young player and the sport they want to pursue.
Breaking down barriers
While every sporting journey is different, there are several clear barriers to girls continuing in competitive sport during secondary school.
For some, the cost of memberships, kit, equipment and transport can be a barrier for families.
Also, the availability of local courts, coaches and the amount of commitment expected can affect opportunities to play.
For others, confidence, school commitments, friendships and other sports also make it hard for girls to stay involved.
Netball in Bedfordshire
For someone pursuing netball in Bedfordshire, there are five established netball leagues providing matchplay opportunities for girls aged eight and over.
These include Bedford & District Netball League, Heritage Netball League, Leighton Buzzard Netball League, Luton Dunstable & District Netball League and Bedfordshire County League.
However, as the sport grows in popularity, places become limited, with some clubs operating waiting lists for would-be players.
Moving up the ranks
Once girls hit county netball standard, the process becomes more selective.
This is where some interest in sport can drop off, as missing out on selection can be a big setback and a knock to their confidence.
As players develop and begin competing at a higher level, the enjoyment of sport can also be accompanied with a huge amount of pressure.
Hayley Mackeller, head coach of RBNC, said: ‘Girls are much more likely to stay if they feel valued, included [and] challenged at the right level, have friends around them and feel that there is a future for them in the sport.
She said that briefly dropping out of competitive matchplay around age 13 had reignited her love of the sport.
She went on to represent Scotland and now is the head coach at RBNC.
To find out about the experiences and thoughts of current elite players, I spoke to Jada Autumn, a British netball athlete currently playing for the London Pulse NXT GEN, as well as previously being captain of this team.
She is also a former England Netball Roses Academy athlete.
Jada shared her experiences of progressing up the ranks, the barriers she overcame and the struggles that came with it.
“One of the biggest barriers I’ve experienced throughout my netball journey has been the mental pressure that comes with progressing through the pathway,” she said.
“The closer you get to your goals, the more you can feel like you constantly have to perform, prove yourself and show that you belong.”
She said learning to deal with setbacks really challenged her confidence, and that, “I don’t think we talk enough about the impact they can have mentally.
“As you progress through netball, it can also become increasingly isolating, and sometimes you can feel like you’re the only one struggling.”
Jada said that the mental side has often been harder than the physical side.
“You can be physically prepared, but if you’re not in the right place mentally, self-doubt can take over.
“I believe we need to talk about mental health more openly within netball and have better support in place for athletes because no one should feel that they have to deal with it alone.”
Jada also confirmed that the financial burden can contribute to some players dropping out of the support and told me, “No young athlete should have to question how far they can go because of what they can afford.”
She said: “Yes, the cost has been a concern, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had my mum’s support growing up.
“She saw how much I loved the sport and the potential I had, and she always made sure I could get to wherever I needed to be.”
Don’t stop believing
Jada said that the biggest piece of advice she would give to younger girls who want to pursue netball but feel there are too many barriers is to find your own pathway.
“To any young athlete experiencing their first “no”, remember: rejection is not the end of your story,” she said.
“Keep believing in yourself, because your journey is still being written.”
For young players in Bedford, support may sometimes seem limited, but my experience has shown me that it can be right in front of you.
My coaches have always supported me and my teammates, proving that sometimes the biggest support comes from the people around you.
