A TYNEDALE coach was one of four flagbearers at an England netball game.

Ashley Pearson, of Tynedale Netball Club, was selected to be a flagbearer for the Vitality Roses test series Vs Jamaica Sunshine Girls at Manchester's AO Arena.

In front of 7,000 fans, England, ranked third in the world, won 73-52 over Commonwealth Games silver medalists Jamaica.

READ MORE: https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/23249403.get-licks-soft-play-diandjims-prudhoe-sale/

"It was amazing", said England Netball member and volunteer Ashley. "All the girls at the club knew I was doing it and they were taking pictures of their telly."

Ashley, of Haydon Bridge, had already bought court-side tickets for the match but later won the opportunity to be a flagbearer.

At the game, the Egger employee had court access and met players, who signed a ball for the club.

She explained: "I'm an ex-player and now I'm a coach.

"I love the fact that netball gives women a chance to play sport, have friendships and for their mental health, get out.

"At our club, there are 17-18-year-old girls and our oldest player is in their 60s. I love the fact they can learn from each other and it brings people together. They celebrate life achievements and pick each other up when they need to.

"There are business owners and people with five kids at our club - it's exposure from different age groups and walks of life. They can see how everyone juggles their own life to get to netball. 

"I just love netball and the team so much, they're such a good group of girls. I love seeing the difference you can make by giving somebody something like netball."

Tynedale Netball, formerly known as Hexham Ladies Netball Club, is a Bronze CAPS-accredited club. The prestigious accreditation is only given to clubs that demonstrate they offer quality netball provision within their community.

 

The club, who has players in regional and county leagues, hope to continue to recruit new members; the club has a first and second team who meet for matches and training.  It also plans to freshen up its brand. 

Anyone looking for more information can contact: tynedalenetball@gmail.com