Earlsdon Highway find a new home

In 2017, Earlsdon Highway Netball Club in Coventry faced a challenge as rising running costs forced them to leave their long-time home and look for an alternative.

One year later, a beacon of hope emerged when they established a partnership with Earlsdon Rugby Club, who generously offered them unused land, perfectly suited for netball courts. With the land secured, the netball club embarked on the arduous journey of securing funds to build their new courts. The ambitious goal of raising £230,000 by July 2024 seemed daunting, but they explored various avenues, including fundraising events and grants, with England Netball supporting fundraising efforts by providing rewards for the club’s crowdfunding supporters.

After much perseverance and hard work, their efforts paid off last May. The completion of two new netball courts marked a significant milestone as the club finally found somewhere they could call home after seven years of uncertainty.

The partnership between the netball and rugby clubs has blossomed, solidifying a strong bond between the two sporting communities. The netball club now enjoys the privilege of having two designated changing rooms with direct access to the courts, paving the way for a bright future filled with camaraderie and shared successes.

To celebrate the partnership, Earlsdon Highway organised a grand opening event that not only showcased their dedication to the sport but also emphasised inclusivity and collaboration with the wider sports community. The netball club’s commitment to creating a sense of belonging was evident as they ensured that the event featured all the other sports on offer at the rugby club, allowing netball members to feel integrated into the broader sporting community. With a representative from the netball club now sitting on the rugby club committee, the foundations for a strong relationship have been firmly laid.

The netball club has also taken significant steps to expand its offerings and enhance experiences for its members. Regular training sessions for adults and juniors, including a dedicated Back to Netball session, have been introduced to cater for a diverse range of players and looking ahead, the club has plans to host Walking Netball sessions, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to participate in the sport they love.

Furthermore, the club’s vision for the future includes implementing a booking system that will allow other clubs and teams to hire the courts, creating possibilities for increased community engagement and collaboration.

As the club continues to grow and evolve, its unwavering spirit of inclusivity and collaboration promises a bright and exciting future. The triumphant tale of Earlsdon Highway Netball Club serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and community support in overcoming adversities and achieving dreams.