Local Walking Netball Group Seeks New Members
Loss of players through injury adds to funding challenges
Walking netball is a slower-paced version of traditional netball. Picture: Active in the Community
September 10, 2025
A group of women in based in Chiswick is working to sustain its walking netball sessions despite financial constraints and declining membership due to injury. The group meets weekly at Park Sports Chiswick, offering a combined fitness and skills-based netball session that is open to all ages and abilities.
The sessions take place on Thursdays from 10am to 11am during term time at Chiswick House Grounds (A4 entrance), W4 2RP. Participants engage in drills, match play, and skill development in a relaxed, inclusive environment. The cost is £8 per session on a pay-as-you-play basis. Bookings can be made online via Park Sports Chiswick, and the group can be contacted directly through Nikki Price at 07702 749036.
The organisers describe walking netball as a vital source of wellbeing, particularly for women recovering from injury or seeking low-impact physical activity. They hope to attract new participants and raise awareness of the benefits the sport offers. With no formal funding and a shrinking player base, they continue to offer sessions that prioritise fun, fitness, and inclusion. Their appeal is not for sponsorship or promotion, but simply for visibility and support to keep the activity going.
Walking netball is a slower-paced version of traditional netball, designed to be more accessible to people of all fitness levels. The format prohibits running and jumping, allows an extra step with the ball, and extends the holding time from three to four seconds. These adaptations make it suitable for older adults, those returning from injury, or individuals new to the sport.
The game was first developed in England in 2017 through a partnership between England Netball and Age UK. Since then, it has grown rapidly, with over 200 programmes running across the country and more than 40,000 women participating nationwide. Sessions are typically led by trained Walking Netball Hosts and often include social elements such as post-game refreshments, helping to combat isolation and promote community connection.
Research has shown walking netball to be an effective intervention for increasing physical activity and improving health among middle- to older-aged women. It has also been embraced by organisations such as the Women's Institute, which has supported its rollout as part of broader efforts to promote wellbeing and social engagement.
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