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Just 4% of women in the UK are taking part in team sport1, meaning many are missing out on the mental, physical and social benefits it can bring.
However, England Netball is challenging that statistic with its Back to Netball and Walking Netball initiatives by encouraging more women back into the sport - so we wanted to know more
of women in the UK are taking part in team sport
Watch our latest Changing the Game series with the Vitality Roses
It’s likely most women will remember netball from PE lessons. And whether these memories are fond or not, there are numerous reasons why girls are taught it at school.
Not only is it good for our physical health – particularly our cardiovascular system – it also helps to build a sense of community, bringing a whole host of social benefits too.
Despite this, it’s not just netball that women are being forced to leave behind post-school – it’s any sport. A landmark study by Vitality found that – shockingly – only 4% of adult women are engaging in group sports1.
Lack of confidence, time and accessibility were cited as just some of the barriers that make it harder for women to play team sport regularly.
In light of this research, for Vitality’s latest Changing the Game YouTube series, we wanted to lift the lid on how netball is bringing women back to sport and dig deeper into the barriers they face.
‘It doesn’t feel like exercise’
Hosting the latest series, former Vitality Roses player Eboni Usoro-Brown met with members of the current Vitality Roses squad, alongside Back to Netball and Walking Netball players, to find out first-hand how netball is keeping women up and down the country active, happy and healthy.
“It shocks me about team sport participation,” Vitality Roses Captain, Fran Williams explains in the video.
“People want to stay fit and healthy, but it’s a shame that people don’t do that in a social setting.”
Marion, a Back to Netball player, is one of those reaping the benefits of team sport, however.
“Physically, it’s fabulous, and it does more for my mental health and self-esteem than anything else that I do because it’s a social thing,” she explains.
Meanwhile, Gretel, another Back to Netball enthusiast says that playing it doesn’t feel like exercise.
“It’s got me back into a rhythm, certainly hitting middle age I think that I should be doing some exercise, but it doesn’t feel like exercise, it’s just really good fun.”
So, if you’re thinking about getting back into netball, but don’t know where to start, Vitality Roses player Beth Cobden recommends taking a friend along for your first session.
“It can be intimidating going into a group of people that you don’t know, but the other people are [probably] feeling the same,” she says.
It’s likely most women will remember netball from PE lessons. And whether these memories are fond or not, there are numerous reasons why girls are taught it at school.
Not only is it good for our physical health – particularly our cardiovascular system – it also helps to build a sense of community, bringing a whole host of social benefits too.
Despite this, it’s not just netball that women are being forced to leave behind post-school – it’s any sport. A landmark study by Vitality found that – shockingly – only 4% of adult women are engaging in group sports1.
Lack of confidence, time and accessibility were cited as just some of the barriers that make it harder for women to play team sport regularly.
In light of this research, for Vitality’s latest Changing the Game YouTube series, we wanted to lift the lid on how netball is bringing women back to sport and dig deeper into the barriers they face.
Back to Netball player, Marion
‘It doesn’t feel like exercise’
Hosting the latest series, former Vitality Roses player Eboni Usoro-Brown met with members of the current Vitality Roses squad, alongside Back to Netball and Walking Netball players, to find out first-hand how netball is keeping women up and down the country active, happy and healthy.
“It shocks me about team sport participation,” Vitality Roses Captain, Fran Williams explains in the video.
“People want to stay fit and healthy, but it’s a shame that people don’t do that in a social setting.”
Marion, a Back to Netball player, is one of those reaping the benefits of team sport, however.
“Physically, it’s fabulous, and it does more for my mental health and self-esteem than anything else that I do because it’s a social thing,” she explains.
Meanwhile, Gretel, another Back to Netball enthusiast says that playing it doesn’t feel like exercise.
“It’s got me back into a rhythm, certainly hitting middle age I think that I should be doing some exercise, but it doesn’t feel like exercise, it’s just really good fun.”
So, if you’re thinking about getting back into netball, but don’t know where to start, Vitality Roses player Beth Cobden recommends taking a friend along for your first session.
“It can be intimidating going into a group of people that you don’t know, but the other people are [probably] feeling the same,” she says.
Back to Netball player, Marion
5 benefits for women taking part in a team sport
Improves agility and fitness
Without necessarily knowing it, netball is a great way to improve fitness and agility due to the need to change pace and move in dynamic ways. It’s also great at helping to improve strength and balance, as well as cardiac health.
It’s accessible to all
Anyone can play. No matter your age or ability, if you want to join a group that plays netball, there is a programme to suit your needs. “We support women through all life stages, from puberty all the way up to the menopause,” explains Megan Sayers, England Netball’s Leicestershire and Rutland Netball Development Officer.
The social benefits
We know that playing team sports is not just beneficial to our physical health, but our mental health too. By taking part in team sports it can give players a sense of belonging with like-minded people. “With netball specifically, I always found it a place that was free of judgement,” says Vitality Roses player Olivia Tchine.
Builds confidence
Findings show that 94% of women in C-suite positions have played a team sport at some point in their life. Meanwhile, three-quarters said that a background in sports helped them to accelerate their career. “I’ve definitely learnt to speak up more in a group setting [since playing netball]”, says Vitality Roses player Berri Neil.
You’ll have a great time
Aside from the fact that it’s good for our health, sport is supposed to be fun. And with a high proportion of women reporting a lack of enjoyment when they exercise, that’s never been more important. There’s no need to be fearful of making mistakes or missteps, the point is to enjoy it, whether you’re playing walking netball or for the Vitality Roses.
1 Vitality Women in Sport Research, 2024
