All Stars Netball Camp

Last week, 20 netball players aged 8-12 took part in the College's Summer Netball Camp. In order to comply with England Netball's, the players were put in bubbles of 5, each with a dedicated coach, and there were a number of strict measures to comply with COVID-19 playing guidance. The camp was led by visiting sports coach Mrs Tam Settle, along with parent Juliette Coles who together founded the Shiplake Stars Netball Club. Dr Gemma Prata and Year 13 leaver Ellen Hodson also assisted with the week.

Mrs Settle said: "There's no doubting the fact that the COVID-19 guidelines were a big challenge when we were planning the camp but working in smaller teams and sticking to the rules didn't stop us having fun, learning lots and competing. We weren't able to play matches and we weren't even able to pass a ball between us but with some creative thinking and adaptations to some of our favourite drills and mini-games, we ran lots of fitness-based netball activities that still allowed the children to challenge themselves and compete against the other teams in various challenges. The week was absolutely fantastic, all of the children made huge steps forwards with their fitness and their skills and presenting certificates and medals to them all at the end of the week was a real highlight. I'm so proud of all of the children, coaches and the whole team at Shiplake College, from the catering staff to the grounds team, who all contributed to making this camp such a success."

On the penultimate day of the camp the players had a surprise visitor! Mrs Settle explains: "We were absolutely thrilled to be joined by Superleague netball player Hannah Joseph who delivered a brilliant coaching masterclass to each of our teams, focussing on footwork, driving onto the ball and movement. Hannah also stayed for a Q&A where she answered so many questions from the children and gave them lots of words of wisdom that will be relevant to netball and sport in general. Being able to spend time with such an inspirational role model really was such a great opportunity for everyone involved and we can't thank Hannah enough for her time and her enthusiasm. Lots of the children came in the next day saying they'd gone home and watched some of Hannah's matches on YouTube and having seen what an awesome player she is, they were even happier to have been able to spend time with her."

Hannah Joseph said of her visit: "It was great to spend the afternoon at Shiplake netball camp. All of the players worked extremely hard and were full of enthusiasm. Both the coaches and players adapted so well to the restrictions due to COVID. I had a lovely afternoon coaching and hopefully will be able to return next summer."

Mr Keith Settle, Director of Summer Camps, adds: "It was so unfortunate that we had to cancel our other summer camps this year, but we worked very hard to be able to produce this netball camp, albeit with the COVID restrictions in place. I am delighted that it was such a great week and it was truly heartening to see the smiling faces every day and the enthusiasm that was on display from every one of the children and the coaches. We were lucky to have excellent coaches on the camp and the feedback from the students reflects this. We can't wait to get the camps running again next summer!"

Flickr album: Summer Netball Camp 2020 | Height: auto | Theme: Default