Swadlincote Netball - Club Development

The Pitch

Problem statement

Swadlincote Netball Club has increased in player numbers dramatically in the recovery from the pandemic. Whilst this is great, having many more members is increasing our costs and we need help to cover these in the short-term so that we can adapt, and carrying on delivering an essential activity for local women. The alternative is raising membership fees again, without which we believe will exclude some women from joining/staying with us and thus limiting their regular physical activity. Swadlincote, is in the bottom 10% for health equalities in England. Therefore, our work is essential to members, the wider community, and as a role model for other young girls and women in our area.

Solution

Any funding we access will initially be put towards covering the directs costs of Covid-friendly play. This includes hand sanitiser, ball sanitiser and other cleaning products. Additionally, we would like to secure better training facilities so funding would also be put towards venue hire fees. We currently have one court for training and this is not efficient for effective training sessions with high attendance. Ideally, we would be able to afford a two-court venue which would make the club better prepared for increased Covid restrictions. At our current venue, it is impossible to social distance. If Covid netball regulations come back, at present we would not be able to train as a club.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

SNC is the only major netball club in Swadlincote that is open and accessible to all women wishing to play. The club was established in 2013, so we have lots of experience in successfully and sustainably running a sports club. Our committee is made up of a series of professional individuals, including health and safety officers, sports science experts and those working in financial services. Therefore, we are well placed to ensure the continuity of the club and can assure that any funding accessed will be used effectively, with the long-term vision of the club returning and remaining as financially sustainable and independent.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

46 people

Expected impact

Accessing funding will allow SNC to continue to deliver activity in a Covid-friendly manner. This will allow our 46 members to continue to engage in regular exercise and social time with other local women. This has had positive effects on both their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Furthermore, having a two-court venue will also allow play to continue if play restrictions increase again. This is really important as we aim to also increase our member numbers to 55 within the 12 months planned project delivery. Continued access to professional coaching will also ensure our members are progressing as players and we continue to be a competitive club within the local leagues. Engaging women in sport also creates positive role models for other local women and young girls. It is important to increase female inclusion in sport and with Swadlincote's poor health deprivation and health inequalities, we believe that our work will have a wide reaching impact within the community.

Track record

SNC has not previously received funding. However, we have been involved in several local fundraising initiatives. This has included partaking in charity netball tournaments and completing sponsored running/walking to the benefit of the South Derbyshire food bank. Being an active part of our community is really important to us and is something we hope to be able to do again in the future. Below is a quote from a service user: 'Joining SNC has been one of the best decisions I ever made. Having moved to the area in September 2020, I knew no one and needed a way to make new friends in the community. SNC has been such a friendly and inviting club to be a part of. The training/matches has become a major part of my life, and having this support throughout the lockdown periods has been key to my mental health. I have made several new friends and people I can turn to when I need support.'

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