Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Club of the week
ACES Netball Club
The club of the week is ACES Netball Club, who welcome all ages to their classes.
The club was formed by pals Lorna Colquhoun and Gail Lennox, and the Advertiser spoke to Gail to find out a bit more about the team...
How did the club get started?
ACES Netball Club started in 2015 with two friends over a glass of wine! We both agreed that the gym was not something we enjoyed , but when we were younger we enjoyed netball. We were originally a recreational netball club - a group of women meeting on a Sunday afternoon in Coatbridge to run around have fun and get fit. This is where we met an old school friend Donna McLean who is now a major part of the club, and has been inspirational in the clubs sustainability. Since then the club has grown from strength to strength with developing from a recreational team to having a senior team competing in Lanarkshire League in 2016/17 to competing in the Glasgow League this year in 2017/18. We made the decision to launch a junior club and on the launch night in September 2016 were extremely surprised with over 100 youngsters attending.
What kind of success has your club had?
In 2017, ACES NC attended the Netball Scotland annual awards ceremony with three nominations in different categories. Robyn Crainey for Young Coach of the year, Lorna Colquhoun for Junior Coach of the Year and Donna McLean for Senior Coach of the Year. Both Lorna and Robyn were runners up , with Donna McLean securing the title. Our youngsters have progressed amazingly and from initially struggling in games to secure points and failing to win, they are now striving to win every game played and improving with every challenge given to them.
When and what time do the club train and compete?
The league team train at Caldervale High School on a Tuesday evening from 8pm.
The recreational team, which is now known as‘Bounceback to Netball’train on a Thursday evening from 8pm and are always looking for new members to join.
We offer junior sessions on a Tuesday from 7pm for children aged between 8 and 10. On a Thursday evening from 7pm we welcome 11 to 12 year olds to Caldervale High School.
Who are the coaches?
We have many volunteer coaches who are involved throughout the age groups. •Donna McLean - Senior Coach / Junior Coach Under 15- UKCC level 2 •Lorna Colquhoun - Junior Coach Under 13/ Bounceback Coach - UKCC level 2 •Jaclyn Lane - Bounceback Coach - UKCC level 1 •Robyn Crainey - Junior Coach Under 11 - UKCC level 1 •Karen Scott - Junior Coach Under 15 - UKCC level 1 •Michelle McCabe - Junior Coach Under 15 - UKCC level 1 •Jennifer Lafferty - Junior Coach Under 15 - UKCC level 1 •Pauline Gracie - Junior Coach Under 13 - UKCC level 1 •Stacey Patton - Junior Coach Under 11 - UKCC level 1 •Gail Lennox -Junior Coach Under 15 - UKCC level 1
What difficulties does the club struggle to overcome?
We are a self sustaining club, who are maintained from sponsorships and funding from local resources and from the fees from the girls. This becomes a challenge when we wish to keep costs low for families and provide equality for all and inclusion. We secured funding in our first year and provided each youngster in the club with a training shirt and hoodie. We also managed to purchase game dresses for the tournaments and friendlies.
How does the club benefit the community?
ACES NC provides the opportunity for youngsters to be involved in netball and make friends in a safe environment. We are inclusive to all and offer the opportunity to grow and develop as an individual. We provide the girls with an end of year awards ceremony where we celebrate the achievements and progression throughout the year.
How much work goes into running the club?
Behind the scenes it takes many hours to prepare training schedules and plans to benefit the various stages and ages throughout the club. Many hours per week are spent on administration and planning as well as accounts.
How would someone join your club?
If anyone is interested in joining the ACES we would ask that they contact by email to acesnetball15@gmail. com. Alternatively, you can get in touch via our Facebook page ACES Netball Club, or drop a text to Lorna 07966213648 or Donna 07706 723103.