A netball club dedicated to breaking down barriers for disadvantaged young people has been named one of the first Community Champions in North Herts, gaining access to additional facilities to support training, wellbeing and player development.

Hitchin Netball Club's 220-strong membership of seven to 18-year-olds includes young carers and children from families facing financial hardship, with the club already providing financial assistance to 10 families to ensure every child can access sport. 

The club welcomes both girls and boys up to age 12 and has created a safe environment where young people develop not just netball skills, but confidence, teamwork and leadership abilities.

Launched earlier this year by leisure operator Everyone Active - which runs local leisure facilities in partnership with North Herts District Council - the Community Champions scheme supports local projects that are tackling real issues and changing lives.  

People involved in mentoring, promoting health and wellbeing, supporting inclusivity, or leading environmental or cultural projects were encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants receive free use of facilities to help them carry out their work, along with promotional support to raise awareness, strengthen connections and foster a culture of giving back. Each is also eligible to be shortlisted for the annual Everyone Active Champions Awards.

Hitchin Netball Club was set up to give young people, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, the opportunity to take part in netball, develop life skills, and feel part of a community

The club runs weekly training sessions, matches and tournaments for all abilities, supports young carers, and encourages participation in England Netball's Pass on Your Passion scheme, which rewards young volunteers for their contributions.

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Michaela Bethall, club organiser, said: "We are thrilled that Hitchin Netball Club has been recognised as a Community Champion. Our club is dedicated to providing young people in Hitchin with a safe, inclusive space to develop their netball skills, confidence, and teamwork.

"We are proud to support their growth and achievement, helping them improve both on and off the court. This support from Everyone Active will help us continue breaking down barriers for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling more young people to enjoy the physical, social, and personal benefits of sport."

Danny Kingston, Activity and Wellbeing Manager at Everyone Active, said: "We are hugely excited to support Hitchin Netball Club - they exemplify exactly what Community Champions is about.

We hope this partnership will help them keep growing and inspiring the next generation here in Hitchin, while continuing to break down barriers for young carers and families facing hardship."

Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment at North Herts Council, added: "I'm so pleased Hitchin Netball Club has been recognised as a Community Champion. They do such brilliant work in giving young people a safe, supportive place to grow in confidence, make friends and enjoy sport. It's wonderful to see a local club breaking down barriers and making sure every child has the chance to get involved, whatever their background."

Everyone Active also runs the Sporting Champions scheme, which empowers aspiring athletes to achieve their full potential through access to state-of-the-art training facilities and invaluable mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.

Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has elevated the sporting careers of more than 6,000 athletes by providing them with free access to Everyone Active's 240-plus leisure centres nationwide.