Being Red: Discovering netball at 65
Ann Doyle realised a love for netball after attending the Red Neighbours Walking Netball sessions in Anfield.
The recently-retired 65-year-old joined the initiative, which was recommended by a friend as a great way to keep active, in January.
Each week, women in the local area attend the Walking Netball sessions at Anfield Sports and Community Centre, where they learn and practise the skills of the game with an experienced coach from England Netball, Karen McVeigh.
“I didn’t play netball much when I was in school, so I didn’t think I’d be any good now, but in the last few months I feel like I’ve improved massively, thanks to our coach, Karen,” said Ann.
“Coming here doesn’t just keep me fit – it’s great socially too. I look forward to catching up with the ladies each week, who are all lovely and of a similar age, so we have plenty in common.
“I would definitely recommend Walking Netball to anyone over 50 who is looking for a good excuse to get out the house and keep fit.”
Walking Netball, which goes hand-in-hand with Red Neighbours’ Walking Football programme, aims to create a fun and sociable setting in which over 50s from the Anfield area can enjoy participation in physical activity.
The activities are part of the Red Neighbours programme to support local residents and schools in the Anfield community, focusing on four key areas: food poverty and education; support for the elderly community; encouraging a physically active community; and creating memorable experiences for young people.
Walking Netball sessions are held at Anfield Sports and Community Centre every Friday, 11.30am to 12.30pm.