Spotlight on Netball
Naomi Sanders, Head of Netball
Sports-mad as a young girl, our Head of Netball Naomi Sanders says she was always out and about, playing Netball in the garden at every opportunity, but it was in Year 5 at Grundisburgh Primary School when she had her first taste of success. She shared,
“We had a really strong team and would win every match. I came to realise how much I absolutely loved netball – and I could play! I went on to help coach my mum’s team, before beginning to play for Woodbridge. I soon moved on to a different club (Christchurch Ladies), a higher level, then to play at County level before Regional. I also played in my university’s 1st team, something I enjoyed for four years. My love for netball has been there since I was just nine years old, I’m passionate about it, and I thoroughly enjoy sharing that passion and enthusiasm with students in School.”
She continued,
“For some students, when they begin their journey at Woodbridge School, they may not have ever played netball, while others may have had more experience or even played at a higher level. Whatever their level, we ensure every one of them has every opportunity they need and want to develop and grow as players; becoming the best netballer they can be – and that they have fun too! This development is clear to see in all those students who participate in Netball at School and for local clubs, it’s evident to see their love and passion for the sport.”
“When I played for the East Regional Development Squad, in which only two girls from Suffolk were part of the U18 squad, I was playing a warm-up match before the England U21s. We walked out in pairs to Tina Turner’s Simply The Best, the England netball song – before running to our positions with our names called out over the tannoy. I remember feeling so professional, but it was a daunting experience at the same time. I played Goal Shooter for the first half of the game, then I was swapped to Goal Defence in the second half. I loved being a versatile player, and that’s an important part of playing netball at that level – if you’re not versatile, it’s so competitive as there was always someone waiting in the wings to play and take your place! After my first County trial at U14 level I remember sitting patiently waiting nervously to hear if my name would be called out meaning I’d made it through to the next round; my number was called out at every trial for five years for U14, U16 and U18 level, I was incredibly lucky but also extremely determined and motivated. I feel very privileged to have had the experience I’ve had and one of the greatest feelings is watching our students achieve their own goals, being successful and feeling everything I felt!”
The Evolution of Netball
Netball has evolved dramatically over the past five to ten years, not only in terms of the number of girls and boys playing, but the actual game. It is a fast-flowing and competitive sport, but rewarding and superb to support and watch. On average we field approximately 20 teams across the age groups, at different levels. It’s clear to see the passion and ambition of our players as they work to not only improve their skills, but to become part of a successful team. Several students have experienced great success, going on to be selected as part of development, satellite or county teams, with four players being part of the Mavericks set up over the past five years, which is a phenomenal achievement.
Competitions, Tournaments and Format
Competing in the Sisters ‘n’ Sport Netball Cup, Independent Schools Netball Cup, and the South Suffolk Netball Tournaments, has enabled us to travel further afield to play St Albans High School for Girls, Brentwood and Gresham’s, as well as playing against local schools. Woodbridge School’s Netball teams also enter the National Schools’ Cup, where we have gained places at the Regional tournaments at U14 and U16 level.
At Woodbridge School we cater for A to D teams across most Year groups, with U12 to U19 players involved in the local leagues; they have been for the past 18 years. The format has changed over the past two years, with league tournaments now being played, instead of full matches, but this enables our teams to play against more than one school in a competition. We also have competitive matches against local state and independent schools, and we travel as far as Felsted, Norwich High School for Girls and King’s Ely. Boys are welcome to play at senior level, with teams and matches having played against RHS. The annual leaver’s girls versus boys senior match takes place every year at the end of the Lent term in School, with other age groups arranging these competitive matches, wishing to compete and discover who is the best at Netball!
Friendly and Competitive Matches
Learning through games lessons during the Lent term at Senior School, as well as through extra-curricular clubs during both Michaelmas and Lent terms, students have the opportunity to experience and participate in both friendly and competitive matches. Commenting on the key considerations for becoming an improving player, Naomi said, “The drive and desire to continually improve as a player must be there; some of our best netballers in School want to focus on specific areas, enabling them to improve as a player, not only in School but when playing for their club. Understanding what they need as individuals to help improve their tactical and technical game play, is what we focus on. Their enthusiasm is just as important too, nearly the whole year group turns up for training, which is phenomenal to see, but also demonstrates the sheer and utter determination these players have to want to play, to want to improve!”
The Ultimate Team Sport
“Netball is a superb team sport. With various positions and diverse responsibilities, it can cater for all abilities and skill levels as well as players’ likes and dislikes in terms of preferences. It also incorporates various aspects of fitness, skills and key principles; attacking, defending, balance, co-ordination, reaction timing, power, shooting, accuracy – the list goes on. The main aspect Netball teaches is spatial awareness and body control, vital aspects of most invasion games played in schools – and so this development and these skills are transferrable for students. I would encourage everyone to have a go; participating in practices at lunchtime or after School can help development and learning, and it’s also a really great way to keep fit, make new friends and to socialise. Just looking at the sheer number of teams we have across the various Year groups, demonstrates the enjoyment and passion for Netball in School – which delights me!”
Naomi concluded,
“I was driven as a player to continue to improve. Dedicated, committed and determined – I just loved to play. I see that in all our players in School, and so it is an absolute pleasure to teach them, watching them develop and go on to achieve and enjoy Netball as much as I always have and always hope to do.”
You can learn more about Netball at Woodbridge School by visiting woodbridgeschool.org.uk/sport/netball/.
