Research conducted by Youth Sport Trust shows that a whopping 89% of girls do not meet the required level of physical activity and the Department of Health

Source: England Netball

In fact, a study funded by the government in 2016 found that children spend 90% less time outside playing than in the 1980s, which is less than those in prison! England Netball believes this is having a negative effect on mental health, as on average three children in every classroom have a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression.

Bee Netball, which enables children to participate in netball, make friends and develop other key skills, such as friendship, inclusion, fair play and playing together, has been designed to combat these issues.

The programme will be introduced throughout schools, netball clubs and local communities across the country and will promote self-development, provide stage age-appropriate netball, and inspire children to become part of the netball family.

To mark the launch of this prestigious new programme, England Netball is hosted a pop-up court at Liverpool One, so that children from local primary schools could test out Bee Netball for themselves and meet members of the Vitality Roses; England’s senior netball team.

After the children enjoyed the Bee Netball activities, England Netball will hosted a panel discussion with the CEO of England Netball, gold medallist Jodie Gibson, other famous sporting faces and representatives from local schools. The participants debated the role of sport in schools and the urgency to ensure PE is considered a core subject on the school curriculum, just like Maths and English.

Joanna Adams, CEO at England Netball, said: “We are so excited to reveal this programme for U11s, which will hopefully encourage children of all ages to take up netball and get active. Research shows that children across the country are not getting enough physical activity each day – we are very passionate about changing that!

“We felt that now was the perfect time to launch this fantastic initiative with Liverpool hosting the Vitality Netball World Cup in just over two weeks’ time. It is going to be a huge summer for the sport and we hope this tournament will also help to inspire young people to take part.

“With it also being the Youth Sport Trust’s National School Sport Week, we knew it was also a great opportunity to get influential people in one room to talk about the importance of sport in schools. I’m looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say during our panel discussion.

“I want to thank everyone who has helped make Bee Netball come to fruition, and hope that people will continue to help try and make PE a core subject on the school curriculum – it is more needed than ever before!”

Schools, clubs and local communities that sign up to host Bee Netball will be given a range of resources such as activity cards and a special ‘Bee ball’, designed to capture children’s attention. Children will also receive their very own Bee Netball goody pack to support their play and to build on the enjoyment they receive in sessions.

Visit the England Netball website to find out more about Bee Netball.

Courtesy of England Netball

Source: Lancashire Cricket Board

Libby being honoured by her team-mates after scoring 101 not out.

Libby won the award following nomination for her maiden century, she was 101* v Staffordshire Girls Under 11s back in May. Since then she’s gone on to score 41 v Shropshire and 52* v Nottinghamshire. Libby is the youngest girl at just 11 to score a century in the Girls County system in Lancashire.

Jen Laycock, LCB’s Women and Girls CDO, said: “Libby has gone from strength to strength over the last 3 years and has always shown she had the potential and ability to score big. At the Under 11s age group we keep the games relaxed and often retire the girls to ensure we provide opportunities for lots of batters to gain experience, however we felt we needed to give girls the experience of batting for long periods of time especially those we feel have potential to push on further. Libby demonstrated skill, patience and determination to bat for long spells and score big.”

“She is dedicated to improving her game and loves coming to watch the LCB Thunder side where she hopes one day to represent. It’s great to see young girls enjoying the game, being successful and having ambition to become the best they can. I look forward to watching Libby develop over the next few years and see her grow. An excellent achievement to win the 2BR Local Heroes Award at such a young age, it’s just one step in her journey. Strength and depth of the number of promising players in the county girls’ junior system is exciting and we all look forward to seeing players progress.”

Libby Heap said on winning the award: “I am over the moon to win! It tops off a great season for me and I’m happy to leave the Under 11 age group having scored my first hundred. I am going to work so hard so I can play with my idol Kate Cross one day.”

The annual 2BR Local Hero Awards is run by local radio station for East Lancashire 2BR (99.8 fm) to celebrate the dedication of people from Lancashire. The awards which have been running for more than 10 years honour the hard work of people from across the county, across a wide range of categories.

From the best Grandparent to the Child of Courage, amazing people from every background are recognised.  The glitzy award bash took place at Burnley Mechanics, where the winners were treated to champagne on arrival, a three course meal and the award ceremony, surrounded by family and friends.  One suspects it might be the first of many for Libby.

This has been a massive season for both Libby and her family as they and her cricket mentors nurture her talent. It is wonderful to see such hard work and determination is such a young girl but over-riding everything is the sheer enjoyment at playing cricket.  I hope that the success and fun that Libby is having will inspire other youngsters to take up the game.  We look forward to following her career.

For further information on all winners visit the 2br website here.

Report courtesy of the Lancashire Cricket Board

Source: Lancashire Cricket Board

Liberty Heap-Gibbons

Stand up Liberty Heap-Gibbons and take a bow!

I came across this story on-line when I saw the tweet: Mum tell Kate Cross and Charlotte Edwards I scored my first century for Lancashire. I love the fact that Liberty says her ‘first’ century and that her immediate reaction was to tell her cricketing heroes of her achievement.

The excitement all took place during Lancashire U11s match against Staffordshire U11s, Lancs batted first and notched up 197, with Liberty retiring on 100 not out, off 78 balls and including 15 fours.  Unfortunately Staffordshire could only muster 77 in reply, so Liberty also won her first match as captain of Lancashire U11s.  I’m sure this match will linger, not only her memory but also that of her proud parents, for a very long time.

Liberty is the youngest girl at the Lancashire Cricket Board to score a county century.

Source: Lancashire Cricket Board

A very happy Liberty

Quote from Jennifer Laycock, Lancashire Cricket Board Women and Girls Cricket Development Officer: “Libby has excelled in every game she has played, she has confidence in her skills and does them well. She has developed a lot over the past 12 months and now has an ability to judge length and execute the appropriate shot. Libby hits the ball hard and with purpose.”

“The women’s game at all levels is moving forward and at Lancashire we have had an U11s team for the past few years, many of the girls involved in this team have gone on to the next level, including Players in the England Academy, England Development U19 and U15s.  We feel getting the game skills into the girls at a young age, learning about fielding, batting a length of time and bowling good lines are invaluable.”

“We hope that Libby goes on to great things but at the moment we want her to enjoy her cricket, progress at the pace she needs to and learn the game.”

It looks as if Liberty has the right support behind her to enable her to develop well and to enjoy her cricket – we at 4 the Love of Sport wish her very well and look forward to seeing her progress.