Netball club receive funding to help during ongoing lockdown

The outbreak of the virus and the consequent shutdown of businesses as of March 23 has left the sport and physical activity sector facing a period of uncertainty.

In response, on March 31 Sport England announced a £195m package to help the sport and physical activity sector through covid-19. Within the package is a £20m Community Emergency Fund, of National Lottery money to deliver immediate funding to those who have a role in supporting the nation to be active but are experiencing short-term financial hardship or the ceasing of operations due to the impact of coronavirus.

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It became apparent when the program started at the beginning of lockdown that a lot of the members did not have access to a ball or indeed the funds to purchase a ball and pump.

With that in mind the club made it their mission to find a solution.

Alison Armstrong, founder and Chair of the club, said: “It is mine and my daughter’s belief that everyone deserves the chance to play netball no matter what their ability or background. This funding is just another way we are able to support our belief and deliver on our club’s main aim to provide netball for all.

"We are delighted that we are able to send a little bit of joy to all our members and get them back playing a great sport in such difficult times.

"Amy, our head coach, will be sending out more training videos, but now including the use of a netball not just fitness related; reintroducing skills which will be great for the players to get back into court play when the leagues re-open. Thank you Sport England for seeing the bigger picture and seeing that grassroot sports matter.”

Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s Chief Executive, said: “As the body responsible for the growth of sport and physical activity participation, we want the vital grassroots organisations that make sport and physical activity happen in this country to not just to come through this crisis but to be in a position to thrive again in the future.

"The £20m Community Emergency fund, made possible by National Lottery players is part of a multimillion pound package of support we are providing to ease the pressure on a huge number of the organisations who are central to the nation’s health and wellbeing.

“We are proud to be able to provide vital funding to (Woodside Netball Club) to help it through these extremely challenging times.”