AnyGirl Netball CIC was born out of the desire to make netball accessible to everyone, creating opportunities for girls and young women in areas of high deprivation to ensure they aren't left behind.
Feedback from participants
“My experiences at AnyGirl Netball have all been amazing! The coaches are welcoming and really kind and I can’t thank them enough for how much they have supported my little cousin.
Both members of the club and the coaching staff are always there to help no matter what your netball ability is. This community is one that I am proud to be a part of!”
“I have had such an incredible experience at AnyGirl Netball. It’s an amazing non-profit organisation which is so supportive to young women.
It allows young girls to participate in a great sport, and the coaches are always there to ensure you are okay.
Especially Daisey, who has done a lot for me. If you want to participate in netball, I couldn’t recommend it enough! Thank you to everyone at AnyGirl"
“Such a wonderful space for girls, the coaches are great, and the vibe is always encouraging and positive. Would 100% recommend.”
“Such an amazing safe space for all girls to go! brings such a beautiful community spirit and opens up young girls minds to the amazing opportunities in sports!”
Why was AnyGirl Netball CIC created?
We started AnyGirl Netball CIC because we saw a gap—both on and off the court. Too many girls and young women were being left behind in sport due to barriers like cost, confidence, lack of access, or simply not feeling like they belonged in traditional sporting spaces.
Netball has always been more than a game to us—it’s a community, a confidence-builder, and a powerful tool for personal growth.
We noticed how often girls drop out of sport in their teenage years, and how few opportunities exist for women to return to play recreationally in safe, empowering environments. That’s the problem we wanted to solve.
AnyGirl was born out of a desire to make netball for everyone. No try outs, no judgment, no pressure—just a welcoming space to move, connect, and thrive. We wanted to create something community-led, where girls could be themselves, grow in confidence, and build friendships that go beyond the game.
Because we believe every girl deserves a space to shine—any skill level, any background, AnyGirl.
How did you know what people wanted?
From the very beginning, listening to our community has been at the heart of everything we do.
Before launching AnyGirl Netball CIC, we spent time speaking directly with girls, parents, teachers, and local women to understand their experiences with sport—and more importantly, why so many had stopped playing.
We heard the same things over and over again:
• “I used to love netball, but I didn’t feel good enough to keep going.”
• “I want to be active, but the pressure and competitiveness put me off.”
• “There’s nowhere I feel comfortable just having a go.”
• “I’d come back to netball… if it wasn’t so intimidating.”
We also ran informal surveys, drop-ins, and taster sessions, and asked for feedback constantly. The message was clear: people wanted fun, inclusive, no-judgment spaces to play, connect, and build confidence.
They wanted coaches who understand them, sessions that feel empowering, and opportunities that don’t depend on talent alone.
So, we built AnyGirl around that. We let the community guide us—and we still do.
Because when you truly listen, people tell you exactly what they need.
Promotion - how did you promote your activities?
We promoted AnyGirl Netball CIC by keeping it real, local, and community-first.
We started small — word of mouth was our biggest tool in the beginning. We connected with schools, youth groups, the local council, and women’s organisations to spread the word directly to those who needed it most.
Social media became a key platform too. We used Instagram and Facebook to showcase what made us different: real players, real stories, and an environment where everyone felt welcome.
We shared highlights from sessions, celebrated wins big and small, and used our voice to talk about the importance of confidence, community, and accessible sport for all.
Most importantly, our players became our biggest promoters. When girls and women feel safe, seen, and supported, they bring their friends, their sisters, and their energy.
How did you overcome challenges?
Funding and Resources
Starting with limited funds meant we had to be creative. Equipment, venue hire, kit, and coaching costs add up quickly. We overcame this by building strong relationships with local partners, applying for community grants, and being transparent about our mission.
Breaking Down Confidence Barriers
Many of the girls and women we wanted to reach had lost confidence or felt sport wasn’t for them. The challenge was building trust. We made our sessions intentionally welcoming, pressure-free, and focused on fun—not performance. Word started to spread that this was a space where you didn’t have to be “sporty” to show up and feel good.
Changing Perceptions of Netball
We had to challenge outdated views that netball is only for schools or elite players. Through social media, storytelling, and community outreach, we showed how dynamic, empowering, and inclusive the game can be when it’s played the AnyGirl way.
Sustaining Momentum
Keeping things going with a small team was tough. But we leaned on our community. Volunteers stepped up. Players became advocates. We created a culture where everyone felt part of the journey—and that’s what’s kept us going.
Plans Moving Forward
As we continue to grow and evolve, our focus remains on making netball more accessible and empowering for girls and women of all ages and backgrounds. We’re committed to continuous improvement, and here’s what we have planned moving forward.
Expanding Reach and Access
We plan to expand our community outreach to ensure that AnyGirl is available in even more areas. This means running more sessions across different locations, particularly in underserved communities where access to sports facilities and opportunities can be limited. We’re also exploring online sessions and virtual workshops to keep people engaged, no matter where they are.
Inclusive Programs
We want to make sure we’re catering to everyone, from beginners to those who’ve played before. In the next phase, we’ll be introducing tailored programs, including beginner leagues, fitness-focused sessions, and even mentoring programs where experienced players can help newcomers build confidence and skills.
Stronger Partnerships
We’re focusing on building stronger relationships with local schools, youth services, and women’s organisations to ensure we’re meeting the needs of our community. Collaborating with health and wellness experts will allow us to broaden the benefits of our programs beyond just physical fitness—incorporating mental health support, nutrition advice, and confidence-building.
Improving Sustainability
We’re committed to ensuring AnyGirl is sustainable for the long term. This means working on securing regular funding, diversifying our income streams, and investing in the development of our coaches and volunteers. We want to ensure that the heart of AnyGirl remains strong, and our core values of inclusion, empowerment, and community remain at the forefront.
Listening and Evolving
Above all, we’ll keep listening. The voices of the girls and women we serve guide everything we do. Through regular feedback, surveys, and open communication, we’ll ensure that our programs stay relevant, impactful, and enjoyable.
Top tip for other groups looking to organise something similar
Build a Community, Not Just a project
Creating lasting impact isn’t just about offering a service—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging.
At AnyGirl Netball, we’ve learned that when you focus on building relationships, trust, and a welcoming environment, people will not only show up but bring others along with them.
Make your space a place where everyone feels valued, regardless of skill level or background.
People don’t just want to participate in a program—they want to be part of a community. Invest in that community-building aspect, and everything else will fall into place
How does AnyGirl Netball embody the action area 'Social'?
AnyGirl Netball CIC embodies the ‘Social’ action area of This Girl Can by creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment where girls and women feel encouraged to engage in sport—regardless of their background or skill level.
Here’s how we align with the ‘Social’ focus of This Girl Can:
1. Building a Supportive Community
We focus on breaking down social barriers that can prevent girls and women from participating in sport, particularly netball.
Our sessions are designed to be welcoming and free of judgment, creating a social space where everyone feels comfortable to take part, make friends, and build confidence.
2. Encouraging Social Connections
At AnyGirl Netball, it’s not just about playing a game; it’s about connecting with others. We create an environment where friendships flourish, and social bonds are formed both on and off the court. This social connection is a huge motivator for our players, helping them feel supported in their fitness journey.
3. Challenging Social Norms
By embracing all levels of ability and backgrounds, AnyGirl challenges the stereotype that sports are only for a select few. We work to ensure that no one feels excluded or isolated, particularly those who may have been discouraged from sport due to societal pressures or past experiences.
4. Providing a Safe Space for Self-Expression
We ensure that the social space we create allows girls to express themselves freely, whether they’re sharing their love for netball or simply enjoying being part of something positive. AnyGirl isn’t just a netball club—it’s a platform where young women can grow their self-esteem, break social barriers, and discover the power of sport to create meaningful social impact.
From the very beginning, listening to our community has been at the heart of everything we do.