USK Netball Club are to launch Monmouthshire’s first competitive junior team for children aged from seven to 11 to help grow the sport and develop young players.

Outside of school, there are currently no competitive teams for under-11s in Monmouthshire and young talented players from the county are forced to travel further afield to play for other clubs.

The new team will be coached by member of Usk Netball Club and chairwoman of the Wye Valley Netball League, Claire Powell. She currently coaches young netball players at Ysgol Gymraeg Y Fenni and led her team to the final of the Urdd Schools tournament earlier this year. Now she wants youngsters across Monmouthshire to have the same opportunity in netball outside of school and to develop their ability and skill in the sport.

Having gained support from Usk Netball Club and Welsh Netball development officers to kickstart the exciting new project, she says she’s already had lots of interest. She is now urging parents whose children may be interested in joining the team to get in touch.

“Having taught and coached young netballers for four years now, I know how much demand there is out there for something like this,” said Claire.

“There is a real focus on development going on in Wales and across the UK for netball at the moment, and I really hope that the new Usk Juniors Netball Club will help to support this.

“I’ve already had a lot of interest from parents who are currently having to travel to other counties for their child to play. I’m hoping this will provide the solution that is needed in Monmouthshire for young players to take part in netball competitively and develop their skills.”

Usk Junior Netball Club will start on 13th September, taking place every Thursday, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at the Usk Athletics Club. The first session is entirely free to anyone who goes along.

If your child is interested in joining or you would like any more information, get in touch with Claire Powell on 07930 925883.