Doing it for the girls! Netball gets the nod as Kinetic look to branch out
By Tom BurtonKinetic have paved the way for girls to get involved with their programmes by introducing community netball sessions.Netball London is a new project, based in Thornton Heath, aimed at increasing participation for girls aged 14 to 19.The Monday night sessions, run by The Kinetic Foundation and funded by Street Games, were launched recently but already attract more than 20 girls each week.And two of the girls are already keen to develop as coaches, as they are working towards completing Level 1 courses.The project is going from strength to strength and Kinetic are exploring ways in which netball can be added to their programmes.Issy Dickinson, session leader and PE teacher at Royal Russell School, thinks netball is the perfect way to engage with girls and unearth some hidden gems along the way.She said: "Croydon and south-east London is an absolute hotspot for potential netball talent - Netball London is aiming to find and nurture that talent."Competing in friendly fixtures against local schools is a way we are hoping to prepare the girls to enter local netball leagues so that they can start reaping the benefits of their hard training."Harry Hudson, operating officer for Kinetic, said: "The programme looks to engage with disadvantaged and/or disengaged young females who share a common passion for netball."We have already built up a consistent group who engage at their weekly Monday evening session.