How faded court lines nearly cost St Agnes netball its confidence

Ask a new player where they are allowed to stand on a netball court, and the paint under their feet does half the teaching. At St Agnes Sports Club, that paint had almost disappeared.

Lines too faded to read

The outdoor netball court at St Agnes Sports Club is used through the summer by St Agnes Netball Club’s junior, senior and Walking Netball sections. Over time, some of its court markings had faded or disappeared completely.

For established players that was an inconvenience. For newer members still learning the shape of the game, it was more of a problem. Netball divides the court into thirds and marked areas that decide where each position can and cannot go, and without clear lines it became difficult for new players to understand the different sections of the court and know where they were permitted to move.

A grant, then a repaint

The club applied to St Agnes Parish Council for grant funding towards repainting the court, and the application was successful. The Council has awarded the grant in recognition of the health and wellbeing benefits the club brings to the community.

The renewed markings are now in place, and the club has welcomed the difference. The clearer lines make the court much easier to follow, helping participants position themselves correctly and play with greater confidence.

What is Walking Netball?

Walking Netball is a slower version of the traditional game, adapted for people across a wide range of ages, abilities and fitness levels. Running and jumping are not permitted, and some of the rules are eased to reduce physical strain. Players may take an additional step while holding the ball, and have up to four seconds to pass it rather than the usual three.

A typical session runs through a warm-up, skills and teamwork exercises, Walking Netball games and a cool-down, built to be sociable and adaptable to whoever turns up. It can be particularly valuable for people returning to sport after time away, anyone who prefers a lower-impact activity, or someone simply looking for a comfortable way to exercise and meet others. The emphasis sits as much on confidence and friendship as it does on fitness.

Three branches, one club

St Agnes Netball Club has three sections. The junior section, for children aged eight to fourteen, was established in 2008 and now has more than 60 members. The senior section, open from age fourteen, fields five teams in the Cornwall Netball League. Walking Netball, for adults aged eighteen and over, became the club’s newest branch in 2018.

Anyone interested in joining can get in touch directly. Junior Netball meets Wednesdays at 6pm at the Sir Ben Ainslie Sports Centre in Truro ([email protected]), Senior Netball meets Thursdays at 8pm at the same venue ([email protected]), and Walking Netball meets Wednesdays at 6pm at Truro Prep School ([email protected]).

Could your own group apply?

The netball court is one example of what St Agnes Parish Council’s grant funding can support. The Council’s annual budget sets aside a specified sum for grants to local community groups, charities and organisations, awarded where a project brings direct benefit to the parish or its residents.

The next funding round has a tight turnaround. Applications for consideration at the Council’s September meeting must be received by 5pm today, through the Parish Council’s grants page, where the application form and the Council’s Grants Policy are both available. Any questions can go to the Council office on 01872 553801 or [email protected].