A Birkenhead nurse says the only thing powering her through her gruelling shifts in lockdown was a game-changing programme pioneered by England Netball. 

Amy Boulton, 36, was reintroduced to netball in 2018 by the Back to Netball scheme after a friend recommended it to her.

Back to Netball is a campaign that reintroduces women to netball and attracts women of all ages and abilities back to the game by running inclusive sessions across the county. 

And Boulton, one of over three million UK women who play netball each year, said: “It’s the best thing I ever did, I was just sort of thrown back into it, it’s been life changing for me really. 

“I’ve got two young children and obviously I’ve got a high-pressure job so just having that space to play and take your mind off things is invaluable. 

“Back to Netball is my safety net, it’s where I can feel comfortable making all those mistakes, sometimes when I play competitively I get a bit anxious.”

New research shows that almost nine in ten (88 per cent) members of the netball family say the sport gives them a sense of belonging, with 73 per cent reckoning it makes them

Boulton initially had netball envy after hearing her friends talking about the Back to Netball programme – but she is now the one inviting friends and family to play. 

She first got involved in netball at school but stopped playing after not being given opportunities to play at major competitions.

And she added: “My fitness has improved, my confidence has improved, I’ve made loads of new friends, done loads of networking within netball and I look forward to exercising now whereas before I used to dread it.

“It’s really chilled, I invite loads of people to come along, it’s about learning and the social and just having fun. 

“I would not have started netball again if it wasn’t for Back to Netball – there’s no way I would have done it. People don’t want to go along to a new support where everybody is experienced. 

The mum-of-two added that the lack of exercise during lockdown left her feeling like she lacked a regular burst of adrenaline. 

She said: “I look forward to it all day, the girls have a WhatsApp group, and we spend checking who’s coming to netball. 

“I found it hard during the last 12 months losing that adrenaline burst, it was hard, but it was hard for everyone I suppose.

“When you’ve been in lockdown for so long and you lose that social interaction, just being able to go for a drink at the local pub afterwards is amazing and lovely.” 

For more information about how to get involved in participation programmes such as Walking Netball or Back to Netball, please contact your regional Netball Development Officer (NDO). There's something for everyone no matter what your age or ability – click here to find the best contact for you: https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/support/regions/