Young or old, dab hand or novice, Croft Netball Club has a place for you, as MARION SAUVEBOIS finds

INVOLVEMENT, commitment and enjoyment - this is the credo Croft Netball Club players live by.

Originally known as the Sanford Netball Club, the group was founded by Percy Pillinger, a teacher and head of Sanford Youth Centre in 1955.

He approached the games department at Drove Secondary School for Girls and invited the netball team to represent the centre and compete in the Swindon and District Netball League. The rest as they say is history.

In 1960 the club was taken over by Jill Aldridge, who to this day remains an active member and player.

Sanford Netball made the recently-opened Croft Sports Centre its permanent base in 1971 becoming Croft Netball.

Ever since those early days, generations of players have embraced and upheld the club’s philosophy and objectives.

“Our ethos is based upon involvement, commitment and enjoyment,” explains club secretary Sharon Watson.

“All at Croft Netball Club enjoy training and playing netball in the safe and friendly environment of the Croft Sports and Leisure Centre. We have members ranging from as young as nine years old to the grand old age of 72 and all at varying abilities of experience and skill. Whilst we fully acknowledge the past and present excellence of our members, we strive to continue our achievements through our junior members.”

Croft Netball Club is affiliated with the Swindon District Netball Association and the All England Netball Association.

It is also Caps Silver Level accredited.

Croft Netball counts around 105 players. Junior practice, for children in Year 6 or below, takes place between 6pm and 7pm at the sports centre on Marlborough Lane.

Juniors in Year 9 and 10 train on Tuesday between 6pm and 7pm. Senior practice is on Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm.

Teams compete against other Swindon clubs at Dorcan Recreation Centre through the weekend.

“If you are a novice, experienced, young, old or returning and want to become involved, commit and enjoy training and playing netball in the safe and friendly environment, Croft Netball Club is for you,” adds Sharon.

The club’s joining fee is £10. To become a member contact Sharon on 01793 322386 or at shaz_watson@hotmail.com. Alternatively visit www.croftnetball.co.uk or go to the Croft Netball Club Facebook page.