Net gain for Braidhurst pupils

A pioneering sports programme has launched at a school in Motherwell.

The Braidhurst School of Netball has 18 young people in S1 and S2 taking part in two training sessions every week.

Sessions cover topics such as the fundamentals of netball, individual and team attack, defence principles and fitness.

Ruth Anderson, depute head teacher, explained: “Our school of netball is the first of its kind in North Lanarkshire.

“It is supported by the council’s Attainment Challenge Girls’ Fund and aims to increase engagement in physical education and extra-curricular sport within this age group.

“As well as developing netball skills, the programme is focused on developing the young people’s resilience, determination, leadership skills including their ambitions across all aspects of life.

“We will also cover other themes throughout the year including body confidence, healthy eating, alcohol and smoking.”

To launch the new programme, South African international netball player Zanele Vimbela visited the school and spoke to pupils about her experiences and what it takes to reach the top of the game.

The programme has already proved a hit with pupils saying: “I had never played netball before but now I love it!

“My netball has got so much better, it’s the best feeling when you get a goal in.”

Pupils involved in the School of Netball should eventually progress to playing netball for the school team in North Lanarkshire competitions and wider Scottish schools leagues.

In order to ensure that the participants in the School of Netball have strong links to local netball clubs, all clubs in the area have been invited to deliver within the programme.

ACES netball club based in Airdrie have been the first club to come in and deliver a fun and engaging session for the pupils.

It is hoped that by building rapport with club coaches pupils will be more likely to continue their netball outwith school and potentially progressing to trials with the district squad.