A NORTH-EAST netball club will throw open its doors to new and returning players on Monday in a bid to get more women into the game.

Reporter Catherine Priestley explains why she joined them almost two years ago and has barely missed a session since.

When I crept into the back of a sports hall to give netball a go, for the first time since leaving school in 1997, I knew I’d be rusty, pretty unfit and among strangers.

I forgot my left from right when attempting drills, was flagging just 60 minutes into two hours of training and made more apologies – for tripping or calling people the wrong name – than I made passes.

But the girls could not have been more welcoming, they care about their club and want it to be vibrant and inclusive as much as they want its teams to be successful.

Strong friendships have been formed in the sports hall at King James I Academy, in Bishop Auckland, where Team Bishop Netball Club usually meets, between women who probably wouldn’t get together if not for netball.

Such is the mix of members that there have been 18th, 21st and 40th birthdays – and obviously lots of others in between and beyond – births and bereavements, emigrations, Christmas outings and fundraising and farewell tournaments when the girls have been there for one another.

Two teams currently play in a County Durham league giving the more competitive players a chance to up their game.

When I first went along I had no intention of entering competitions but after making up the numbers at one friendly tournament, and signing up for affiliation with England Netball for insurance purposes, I now find myself enjoying the contest and spirit of being in one of those teams.

And the same can be said of thousands of women across the region where clubs and leagues are expanding all the time.

Fiona Holden, netball development officer for County Durham and Tyne and Wear, said: “Back to Netball in the North East has proven hugely popular over recent years, so much so that there have been social Back to Netball leagues set up in Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Tees valley to cater for all of these ladies who have rediscovered a love of our great game.”

A recent survey of who is taking part showed most women are aged 25 to 49 and 16 to 24-year-olds happily play alongside those over 50 and more than half are mothers.

Almost all feel their physical, mental and social wellbeing has improved and 92 per cent would recommend Back to Netball to others, with 37 per cent sticking with the game.

As longstanding Team Bishop member Gen Ward said: “We try to welcome anyone and give women a chance to play netball at whatever level they want, to just give it a go for fun and fitness.”

“We’ve always said club comes before team,” added Justine Lamb.

So if you fancy giving netball a go again, like I’m pleased I did, and can get to Bishop Auckland on Monday nights why not go along to King James I Academy tomorrow (Monday, August 21), from 6.30pm to 8pm.

After the summer holidays, training will return to the usual time of 7pm to 9pm, costs £3 and women of all abilities are welcome.