Tameside Netball Club coach thanks parents and players for NHS support

Tameside Netball Club coach Laura Chisnall has thanked the players and parents for raising funds for the NHS.

Laura, who is a physiotherapist for the NHS, has experienced the stresses and strains caused by the ongoing outbreak on a daily basis.

And with some of Tameside’s committee members and parents also classed as frontline workers, the emotional tie to the NHS is greater than ever for those associated with the club.

It was for this reason that club coach Jessica Finan requested that, instead of subs being suspended during the nationwide lockdown, all money should be redirected to NHS UK Charities via a JustGiving page.

The idea has been well received with £320 being raised in a matter of weeks.

Laura, who is the current coach of the Under 14 squad, thanked Jessica and those who have donated in financially testing times. Speaking to Reporter Sport, she said: “The NHS have escalated services, mainly critical care to deal with the current Covid 19 situation. We have some committee members and lots of members’ parents who are all frontline NHS staff and everyone at Tameside would like to thank them dearly. One of our coaches had a great idea that for people able to contribute, she set up a funding page to raise money for NHS Charities. It means so much for all the staff working hard that not only are you being thought of, but people are willing to give their money out of respect for you doing it. I think now more than ever we are lucky to have the NHS and the NHS are United to win this battle.”

Like all sport lovers, Laura was gutted when netball was postponed until further notice amid the ongoing lockdown.

And while she wants nothing more than the current situation to return to normal as soon as possible, especially with junior nationals on the horizon, she isn’t holding out much hope given the current climate. 

However, after taking on the Under 14 coaching role in September, Laura says she has enjoyed every moment of the ‘roller coaster’ journey - even if it has ended prematurely. “I finally got to coach with an old teammate and a very close friend; it was great.

“There were some fantastic performances but disappointing results as well. The squad has gained some good structure and now have a strong foundation to build upon. We have welcomed a few girls into the squad too -  and we’re always looking to build and grow as a squad, and club, in order to challenge all athletes. I look forward to regrouping with the girls when we can to knuckle down and work harder than ever.”

Laura added: “England Netball as our governing body are currently advising and updating us in line with government advice. 

“There are currently talks of delaying junior nationals until August, which is as late as they possibly can take place in order for the competition to be completed. In terms of other regional competitions and seniors, it is a very grey area as there is no sign of when we will return to action; it's a guessing game at the moment. For as much as everyone wants to complete competitions, at this late stage I can’t see it happening unfortunately.”

On court, It’s been a season to remember for the club with the Premier One squad, captained by Ally Thomas, enjoying their second highest finish in fourth position. During periods of the season it looked as if Tameside’s chances of a top five finish were hanging by a thread, but a great turnaround during the last four games of the season, which included three wins and a draw against league leaders Oldham, secured a positive end to the campaign in what is classed as the highest level of club netball in the country. Laura said the coaches had worked tremendously hard and believes the foundations are in place to kick on. “I have to say thank you to to Paul, Jane, Phil  (coaches) and the squad for all their hard work. Each year due to the strength of our junior teams, we look to integrate those moving up into seniors and this year will be no exception. Who will step up to the challenge is now the big question.”

Tameside have also played their part in breaking taboos this season by playing a fixture against Northern Titans - the first men’s netball team in the north of England. Laura said the club were more than happy to help the men and was impressed with their ability on court. “The game against Northern Titans was brilliant” she said.

“They contacted us as they wanted exposure to a Premier League one team prior to their fixture against Knights Netball, a men’s netball team based in the south. 

“It is a real development in our sport to now know that the men’s game in England is expanding. Like always, men are super talented and it's no different in netball. Titans made netball look effortless. Their athleticism really suits the game of netball. We had another friendly arranged against a newly formed men’s team; NW Spartans, however the lockdown annoyingly put a hold on that for a while. Hopefully in time we catch up with the likes of Australia and New Zealand who already have well established mens Academy and open teams”