The Social Netball Boom Sweeping East Leeds

A growing netball movement is bringing women across East Leeds together, creating new friendships, confidence, and community through social sport.

From Chapeltown to Harehills, Temple Newsam and Chapel Allerton, more women are stepping back onto the court for the first time since school. What starts as a simple taster session is quickly becoming something much bigger.

“It doesn’t matter if you can’t run that much, if you’ve not played at all, or you’ve never played before, or you played in school, it’s just about getting women back into sport, being part of a league, and enjoying it,” organiser Nic Tallett, regional coordinator of Bloom Netball said.

The sessions are designed for beginners and returners, giving women a welcoming environment to learn the basics, build confidence, and enjoy being part of a team.

Building Community Across East Leeds

The first Leeds taster session is taking place at Dixons Trinity Academy in Chapeltown on Roundhay Road, with more leagues planned across East Leeds.

Future sessions are expected in Chapel Allerton, Harehills, Temple Newsam and Kirkstall as organisers continue securing venues.

“There’s going to be a night of netball for all the Leeds ladies,” Nic said.

The idea behind the sessions is not just competition, but connection.

“It’s about building friendships, playing as part of a team, not taking it massively serious,” she added.

Nic described how women who had never met before are now spending time together away from the court.

“I see the girls going out and brunches and things like that as part of a team, they didn’t know each other six months ago, and now they’re all best friends,” she said, adding: “It’s just giving mums and women something else other than what they’ve got in daily life.”

From Couch To Court

The Leeds sessions begin with a “Couch to Court” introduction, helping women ease back into the sport.

Players are guided through warm-up drills, passing, court positions, and mini games before being placed into teams.

The approach has already proved hugely popular across West Yorkshire.

According to Nic, around 4,000 women across Yorkshire are now regularly taking part.

Interest in Leeds has grown rapidly too.

“I dropped the Facebook post, and within about two days, I’d got 400 people in the Leeds netball group,” she said.

Women Of All Ages Welcome

One of the most heartwarming parts of the sessions is the wide age range taking part.

Nic spoke about women with knee replacements and hip replacements continuing to enjoy the sport at their own pace.

“I’ve got ladies that play for me in their 70s. You do as little or as much as you can do,” she explained.

The sessions are open to anyone aged 14 and above, with all abilities encouraged to join.

Families are getting involved too, including Nic’s own family. 

“My mum plays in the league. I play quite often. I’ve got three daughters that all play, so I’m in a team now with my daughters, which is amazing,” she noted.

More than just sport

For many women, the sessions offer something they may not find elsewhere – team sports and a sense of community.

The relaxed atmosphere is designed to remove pressure and help women enjoy themselves.

Nic said: “If you make a mistake, it’s fine, because all our umpires are there just to coach you, not to tell you off. It’s just lovely.”

The Chapeltown taster session is taking place at 7pm on Thursday 21 May 2026 at Dixons Trinity Academy, Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS7 3BG. 

Players can join the taster session for £2.50 using the DISCOUNT50 code.

Nic has encouraged more women to sign up for the sport: “You should definitely come and try it. Honestly, it’s such a laugh.”