Super League players introduce netball to pupils

Pupils said they enjoyed meeting the players and trying the sport

Players from Birmingham Panthers have been introducing netball to pupils across several schools in the West Midlands.

It is part of a new project to give hundreds of children the opportunity to experience the sport, many for the first time.

The Netball Super League squad visited pupils at Welsh House Farm Community School in Harborne, Birmingham on Tuesday and will also travel to Coventry and Worcester - the three cities where home games take place.

Player Gabby Coffey said it was exciting to meet the children and show them something new.

More than 80% of key stage two pupils at the Harborne school are classed as disadvantaged and 26% of pupils speak English as an additional language.

"It's so lovely to meet these kids that are around these areas that are local, but also kids that haven't been exposed to netball," Coffey said.

Gabby Coffey from Birmingham Panthers said her Super League squad hoped to do better next season, after making their debut last season

"It's super exciting to be able to come in and teach them a new sport," she continued.

"Also a lot of them are really keen to come and watch us play which is very exciting.

"It's just building a community around us, it's exciting and we need that with Birmingham Panthers."

During the visit, pupils watched a series of on-court and classroom masterclasses, as well as taking part themselves.

'Want to hold that cup'

The newly-formed Panthers are in training for only their second season in the Super League, which kicks off in February.

Last season, they finished sixth out of the eight teams in the league, but the squad suffered injuries and some narrow defeats.

"To me, success is to get in finals," Coffey added.

"And obviously to make it to the big dance, but I would look at finals now as a really successful result, which I think we can achieve."

Team mate Charli Fidler said that for a new club, reaching finals was "non-negotiable".

"I think that's what we've got to work towards, as obviously we want to hold that cup at the end of the day," she said.

Pupils play at their school in Harborne