A NETBALL club which rebranded two years ago is branching out across the North-East.

Founded over 30 years ago, Hexham Ladies Netball Club provided opportunities in the sport for generations of women. 

A name change to Tynedale Netball two years ago was the dawning of a new era for the club, which now has over 30 members. 

The club’s first team has won the Northumberland County League Division One twice in recent seasons. 

Their success led to an invitation to qualify for the North East Regional League. 
Tynedale won their play-off matches in the summer to qualify, and is now competing in Division Two of the regional league. 

“The first team is playing in two leagues now, which means there’s a lot of fixtures and a lot of travelling,” said coach Lesley Woodhouse. 

“But it’s a lot of fun and we get to visit different venues across the region. 

“We have a very enthusiastic group of talented netballers and it’s great to show all these teams from further afield what we can do.”

All county league fixtures take place at Blyth, while regional league matches are held various venues, including Northumbria University’s Sport Central in Newcastle. 

Lesley added: “In the summer, we play outdoors at Cramlington. It’s nice to get out in the sun, but often the matches take place when it’s not so warm.”

The club’s second team currently competes in the Kenton League, and has aspirations of entering the Northumberland League in the near future. 

The club meets every Tuesday evening at Hexham’s Wentworth Leisure Centre for training and practice sessions, where Lesley is joined by fellow coach Ashley Pearson. 

“We have over 30 members,” said Lesley. “However, I think the most we’ve had at one session is about 25, so the numbers are healthy.

“We work on our shooting and other aspects of the game.”

Lesley said the club always welcomes new members.

The club is open to women of all abilities. Sessions take place at Wentworth Leisure Centre on Tuesdays from 8pm to 9pm. 

For more information, and to get involved, contact Lesley on 07740 287 228.