Netballstar joinsUnited asphysio

Lauren Tait still dreams of running out at the Commonwealth Games after injury denied her last time out.

But now the Scotland netball international is juggling life on court with work on the football pitch too.

Tait, 23, recently joined Newmains United as their new sports scientist.

It’s a change of role for the Glasgow Sirens defender, who travels up and down the country playing in the Vitality Netball Super League.

But it’s one she is relishing as she also studies for a masters degree at Stirling University.

With all sport across the country cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, Tait is having to wait to properly start her work at Victoria Park.

But she will be ready to go whenever the disease is sent packing and football resumes.

Tait, who missed out on playing for her country at the Gold Coast Games two years ago, said:“I want to keep netball going for as long as possible.

“I really want to get to a Commonwealth Games as I missed out on that last time and there is still a lot I want to achieve before I finish.

“But it’s really difficult to make it as a full-time netball player unless you’re in a really good team – playing in Australia, for example.

“I’ve become really interested in the sports science side so further down the line I’ll definitely look at that becoming my main career.

“It’s why I’m excited to get the chance to work in a full team environment at Newmains. In my experience so far I’ve always been the athlete.

“I’m used to being guided. I know what it’s like being told to do something and I know what it’s like actually having to do the lengths and all the running.

“It’s a bit different having to come up with all these different ideas to try and get everyone engaged in what they need to do.

“It’s my challenge to find these different techniques and make sure all the players are interested and focused on improving themselves.

“To come into a male dominated sport as a female and expect everyone to listen to me was always going to be a bit of a struggle. Everyone at the club seems very welcoming though.

“When I had my interview with the co-manager Paul Davies he seemed really keen to hear all my aims and he accepted what I had in mind for the club going forward.”

Now Lauren is biding her time and hoping to put everything into action soon.

She added:“Before the coronavirus stopped sport my plan was to go along on Monday nights.

“I was going to take the warm-ups, lead them in a fitness session and I’m also there for any general advice for the players.

“I also have a sports massage qualification so I can help with any niggles the players have.

“I’m absolutely looking forward to starting out and I’m excited to see what all the players can bring and what we are able to do as a full team together.

“Hopefully the changes I make work out for the better and we can see the difference on the pitch.”