Tryout Tuesday – Walking Netball At Langford - Walking Sports Hub

This edition of Tryout Tuesday opened up a doorway for an entirely new experience, as I laced up some trainers and got stuck into walking netball at Langford.

Through Jersey Netball’s passion and commitment to creating a welcoming community where people of all ages and abilities can get involved came walking netball, a slower-paced, modified version of the game that enables anyone and everyone to stay active, meet new people and enjoy playing every Sunday.

Open to anyone over the age of 16 on a pay-as-you-play basis of £5 per session – with the first one free – the ease of getting started further emphasises the sport’s accessible nature. With coffee, cake and a good chat to follow their fun hour-long sessions, what’s not to love?

I have to say, this one took me by surprise, so let’s dive in.

Let’s find out more

“Walking netball is a sport open to all ages, all abilities and all skill levels – it’s all about getting people out of the house and into the community,” said leadership team member Shaida Aziz, who usually runs the Sunday sessions.

“You get a great workout, and it’s just brilliant for physical and mental wellbeing. We have a great friendly group down here who are so passionate about the game, but some ladies struggle with making the initial step – but, once they’re in, they’re hooked.”

Walking netball is a version of netball that is adapted to be a slower game, thus breaking down barriers and allowing more to play.

The main differences in the rules are that running and jumping aren’t allowed, that an extra step may be taken with the ball if in motion and that the ball may be held for four seconds, instead of the usual three.

A walking-netball programme was first developed in England in 2017 through a collaboration between England Netball and the charity Age UK.

Through Jersey Netball’s passion and commitment to creating a welcoming community where people of all ages and abilities can get involved came walking netball, a slower-paced, modified version of the game that enables anyone and everyone to stay active, meet new people and enjoy playing every Sunday.
Open to anyone over the age of 16 on a pay-as-you-play basis of £5 per session – with the first one free – the ease of getting started further emphasises the sport’s accessible nature. With coffee, cake and a good chat to follow their fun hour-long sessions, what’s not to love? — Pic credit: ROBBIE DARK

Since then, it’s gone from strength to strength to be played across the globe, even reaching as far as Australia and New Zealand.

That popularity has extended to Jersey, as everyone gets together every Sunday down at Langford to play the game they love and “have a laugh”.

Sessions begin with a big focus on warm-ups which are geared towards strength, mobility, coordination and balance, before the group gets on the court to play.

What’s great about the sport is its ability to get everyone active. When they say “everyone” can get involved and start playing, they certainly mean it, with ladies of up to 82 years of age having played on the court.

Although getting people active is a huge drive, the social element of walking netball packs just as much of a punch in their approach. Aziz reflected on her beginnings in the game: “It all started up around 10 years ago up at Fort Regent. I got injured and got involved with the Back to Netball setup outside the leagues, but I couldn’t keep up at the level, got injured and lost confidence.

“Through my daughter playing netball, I was drawn into the association and got involved, becoming a coach and umpire. Just being around netball, however, made me want to get back on the court and start playing again.

“Walking netball provided me with that opportunity, and it’s been huge for me. Sunday is the highlight of my week, and we can all carry on playing the sport that we love while also having a good laugh.”

When they say “everyone” can get involved and start playing, they certainly mean it, with ladies of up to 82 years of age having played on the court.

Although getting people active is a huge drive, the social element of walking netball packs just as much of a punch in their approach.

“Our approach is all about the ladies wanting a peaceful time without challenges – just easy-going,” Aziz continued.

“We have such a lovely bunch down here, all of whom are friendly and passionate about the game. We’re always trying social events as a group – whether it’s bingo, quiz nights or karaoke.

“We’re now forming a group that doesn’t want to wait till Sundays to get together, but do something in between that happens more frequently.

“Even when there’s a competitive element, it’s still all about having fun and enjoying yourself – it really brings out the best in people.”

Walking netball is a version of netball that is adapted to be a slower game, thus breaking down barriers and allowing more to play. The main differences in the rules are that running and jumping aren’t allowed, that an extra step may be taken with the ball if in motion and that the ball may be held for four seconds, instead of the usual three. A walking-netball programme was first developed in England in 2017 through a collaboration between England Netball and the charity Age UK. — Pic credit: ROBBIE DARK

Although this is a game more about getting people active and social, Jersey’s walking-netball players have stepped into the competitive space to add another string to their bow, travelling to several tournaments before holding their own event last month.

It didn’t take long for the Islanders to experience success on the court, with their two teams “killing it” to place first and second in their first tournament, which took place in October last year, to “hugely boost confidence and morale”…

Looking forward, there’s no sign of Jersey’s walking-netball scene slowing down, as Aziz shared: “We would love to increase the size of the club – we draw an average of 15-17 players each week, but it would be great to get more players involved and have more teams travelling with us to these tournaments.

“The first session is free, so there’s no reason not to give it a go – just try it. Taking that first step is the hardest part, but if you overcome that and give it a whirl, I’m sure you’ll be hooked as it’s so much fun.

“Everyone is welcome to this all-in community and we all have such a laugh every week. You can be involved as much or as little as you’d like, play some netball, get in a good workout and then have a natter with everyone after with a coffee and bit of cake.”

Time to give it a go

Heading into this session, I wasn’t overly hopeful for a star-making performance, haunted by past memories of – let’s just say – below-par performances in school PE sessions…

CONTINUE READING at source: https://jerseyeveningpost.com/sport/2026/07/24/tryout-tuesday-walking-netball/

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