After a few indifferent years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including 7 a.m winter cardio Netball, President Honor McMillan has exciting plans for the year ahead.
Honor told Brig: “The upcoming netball year is going to be a mixture of developing plans that are already in place with the formation of new ones with the help of Netball Scotland.
“The implementation of a development squad to act as a stepping stone between socials and BUCS means there is huge importance on making sure that we continue and develop those progressions.
“Due to covid, numbers for social members were lower than in previous years, but we are working alongside our existing social members to get numbers back to their former glory.”
Encouraging discussions with Netball Scotland have also taken place amid growing hope that a men’s netball team will be launched within Stirling.
When asked why students should join the club, Honor reiterated the ‘sense of ease’ she felt being a part of the netball club: “It helped me make new friends while giving me a routine of physical exercise that promoted not just overall health but mental as well.”
On the competitive side, the club has a proven track record of driving the girls’ ambitions. Six members trialed for the national team pathway this summer, as did Stirling University alumni Lauren Tait who was selected by the Scottish Thistles to compete in this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
However, the social aspect remains a vital part of the club, with weekly training and opportunities for friendly games against other universities.
Coach Emma Vondy is excited to get more girls involved, saying: “At social netball, we have so many different abilities ranging from girls who have never played before, to those who used to play in school and others who can’t commit to playing competitively.
“But as a coach, my aim for each session is just that you leave feeling a little bit more confident in your netball ability.”
For social secretaries Ruth Miller and Eloise Berry, it is all about those Wednesday socials: “We’re super excited to have the opportunity to continue the SUNC legacy with some classic socials while hopefully making some new traditions with our fresh ideas.”
You can find out more information @stiruni_netball on Instagram.
Featured Image Credit: Adele Tait
Film, Media and Journalism student who writes about things that catch her interest. Instagram @charlsutcliffe
