Active Schools Forres Netball needs volunteers for primary and secondary teams

THE organisers of free, local sports sessions for young people are appealing for volunteers.

Active Schools Forres Academy Netball offer weekly training for S1-6 students from 3.45-5pm on Tuesday during term time in the school’s large games hall, as well as the chance to play in the Highland and Moray North Schools League and the Moray Netball Festivals hosted by Gordonstoun - P5-7 pupils are also welcome to attend weekly centralised primary school sessions re-starting in the games hall at Forres House Community Centre.

Active Schools coordinator, Paul Rogan, confirmed netball can be played by people of all abilities.

He said: “It’s an ideal sport to make new friends and feel part of a larger group of like-minded people.

“We would encourage all pupils to come along to give it a try.

“The current session attendees are passionate about the sport and very good at encouraging new members to the group.

“They are so supportive of one another, making the training welcoming and fun.”

The Academy sessions are delivered by coaches Hannah Rogan and Sharon McDonald, along with six Active Schools Young Leaders and team members.

The primary sessions are coached by Young Leader and academy netball team member, Madeline Clark, and parent helper Claire Rhind.

“All have played netball or currently play netball,” added Paul.

“They have also completed their e-learning on netball umpiring with Netball Scotland.”

The Active Schools’ Young Leader Programme offers voluntary experience and training/qualification opportunities for 11-25-year-olds in Moray.

The organisers are looking for more individuals with an interest in netball.

“Volunteers do not require lots of experience as we provide training opportunities,” said Paul.

“Ideally they should be over-16 but there is no upper age limit.

“This may be an opportunity for those who have retired or have a spare hour each week who would like to pass on their enthusiasm to younger generations.”

Forres Netball recently entered the Moray Primary Festival at Gordonstoun.

Paul said: “For many of these girls it was their first competitive games. Both teams did well, with the junior team winning two of their four games.

“The more experienced senior team won three of their five games.”

The Forres teams needed netball strips for participating in the league and festivals, as well as balls and bibs for training. Coach Rogan’s partner Adam Scott completed a sponsored event to raise funds for Moray Active Schools - with the main benefactor being the Forres Academy Netball Club.

Adam completed the ‘Murph’ workout, to be done every day for a month. This worked out as 31 workouts in total, including 3100 pull-ups, 6200 press-ups and 9300 squats, as well as 62 miles of running. All done while wearing a 10kg weighted vest! He raised a total of £1225.32, half of which was used for the strips and equipment.

Another £250 was donated by parent Mandy Anderson in memory of her mum Christine Wallace who loved netball and whose granddaughter Ashley plays for the team.

If you can help, or for more information, email Forres Active Schools Coordinator Rosalyn Carruthers rosalyn.carruthers@moray.gov.uk.