England Netball | Back to Netball helps Nav overcome drift from netball

As we see in the new year, we are spreading the word of our flagship programme for getting participants back to basics: ‘Back to Netball’.

There is no better way to introduce the world to Back to Netball than to hear from the Netball Family themselves, so we would like to introduce you to Nav, netball player, Back to Netball coach and umpire!

Nav began playing netball back in her school days, where she loved playing the sport, but as she became an adult, got married and had two children, netball drifted out of her life as she had to balance family life and parental duties.

Sharing exactly how her netball story has panned out to enable her to fit it all in, we hear how Back to Netball has impacted Nav in more recent days, re-igniting her passion for the sport and empowering her to support other women.

“I already had a love for netball from my school years,” she shares. “But life got busy. I got married, had two children, and netball drifted away from me. One day, I realised I wanted to get fit and do something just for me. I didn’t know where to start so I emailed a few places about fitness, not even knowing what I wanted. England Netball was the only one to reply.”

That reply came from Sophie Johnson, Netball Development Community Coach for North London, who would soon become both a friend and a wonderful source of support. Sophie directed her to a local Back to Netball session. “I asked if I was too old, and Sophie gave me all the encouragement I needed. That’s how it all began.”

After her first few Back to Netball sessions, Nav’s netball journey began to fully flourish. Nav solidified her basic netball skills on the 10-week Back to Netball programme with Sophie, during which she shares that her school-day skills and knowledge quickly returned. Her new love for netball and growing skills even saw her progress to join a club team in the North London Netball League: “I ended up playing anywhere I could. Netball just took over.”

But there was something about the community she had found at the Back to Netball session that had Nav committing to both for a time.

“Even while doing team training, I kept going to Back to Netball. I loved it there and started helping Sophie deliver sessions. If she wasn’t available, I’d take the session for her.”

Nav’s support and involvement soon resulted in Sophie encouraging her to take the next step and pursue a coaching qualification.

“I found it tough being back in a learning environment. There were tears and calls to Sophie, but she kept me going. I qualified, and that was it – I was coaching!”

Nav’s coaching journey took full form as she began leading her own Back to Netball and Netball Now sessions, as well as hosting summer sessions for women of all levels to join together, from club team players to Back to Netballers, who wanted to play despite the summer break.

“I love that I can bring ladies and young girls from all walks of life together – no matter their ethnicity or background or ability – to learn and enjoy a game that has given me so much joy and pleasure in my own life. I know I drive people mad always chatting netball, but that’s what you do when you are just so passionate about something!”

Nav’s netball story isn’t without challenges. Diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her left foot, she recently underwent surgery to stabilise her bones. “I had a metal plate, and nuts and bolts put in. It’s been horrible not being able to play.”

Despite being 20 weeks post-operation, including 10 weeks non-weight-bearing, her determination remains. “I’m in physio, building up my ankle and muscles again. I’ve told my physio my end goal is to play again. I’m not sure I will get back to club-level fitness at 60, but I’ll definitely be back to social netball and coaching very soon.”

Even during recovery, she visits sessions to stay connected with the ladies she coaches and sneaks in some shooting practice when she can.

For more advice and support on netball injuries or how to face health issues that can impact participation, visit our NETBALLHer website for articles on female health topics like injury, nutrition and well-being.

Reflecting on her journey, she says: “My greatest achievement, after having my family, is training to be a netball coach. I never thought I’d be coaching another woman to play netball. I know I can actually make a difference to the ladies who come off the court. They have fun and make friends, just as I have, and this has all happened because Sophie replied to my email.”

Nav’s story is a true example of how netball can empower women to rediscover themselves, connect with their community, and inspire others. From Back to Netballer to club player to coach, she’s proven that it’s never too late to pursue change and make a difference.

Are you ready to start your netball journey? Find a Back to Netball session near you and discover the joy, friendships, and opportunities that netball can bring to your life.