The rise of social netball leagues across the Midlands: Why they're vital for busy women and frazzled mums

Yesterday, the ladies from my social team (The Four Leaf Clovers) and I went to watch Nottingham Forest vs Birmingham Panthers play a pre-season friendly at the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall campus.

It marks a milestone partnership for Panthers and the University, which has now been revealed as the team’s new home training base.

But as we sat there watching the game, I realised what a lifeline these ladies were for me, not just the *many* social occasions we enjoy together off the court, but for the one-hour a week we play together and the wonders that does for my mental health.

Read more here: Birmingham Panthers soar into Super League Netball with new training base and pre-season triumph

Shortly after having baby number 2, I plucked up the courage to go to my local Back to Netball session. I’d always played on and off - through school, college, university and before having kids in leagues throughout my 20s.

But something hits different when you start having children and the idea of taking time out for yourself to do exercise or activity seems like a distant dream.

Feeling unfit, constantly tired, that first step back onto the court felt like a MASSIVE deal. With full-time work, kids, and a house that somehow always needs tidying, it felt impossible to carve out time for anything else. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Social netball has become my lifeline - a chance to step away from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with myself. For an hour each week, I’m not “Mum” or “the person who forgot to reply to that email.”

So when our team decided to attend the Birmingham Panthers vs. Nottingham Forest game at the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall Campus, I couldn’t wait to experience the magic of netball on a professional level.

From the moment we arrived at the campus, the energy was infectious. The state-of-the-art sports centre on Gorway Road buzzed with anticipation. When the whistle blew at 4 pm, the court came alive with the speed, skill, and precision of the players.

As we watched, it struck me how much these players represented the pinnacle of what we love about netball. They were powerful, determined, and connected - each movement a testament to their training and teamwork. Watching them wasn’t just entertaining; it was deeply inspiring.

Now don’t get me wrong, our little social team probably does more chatting and socialising off the court than we do training or warming up, but these outings remind us of what netball means to us.

For anyone who thinks they’re too busy, too tired, or too “unathletic” to give netball a go, I urge you to try it. Find that local league, head to it and take the plunge. I’m so happy I did, not only is it exercise but I’ve made wonderful friends.

That’s the magic of netball. It’s a game-changer in every sense of the word. Social leagues have popped up everywhere in recent years - so now is the time to find yours!

Get in touch if your struggling at [email protected] or [email protected]

For more on Back to Netball visit here.