Manchester Thunder to launch ParaNetball programme

The initiative will offer netball training to people aged between nine and 25 years old who are part of the SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) community who live with a disability.

Reigning Super League champions Thunder are inviting those interested to attend their launch event tomorrow at 10am at the Wright Robinson Sports College in Gorton.

Thunder head coach Karen Greig said: “I am so excited and proud that, in partnership with Vimto, Manchester Thunder are launching ParaNetball.

Introducing.. @NetballSL Superleague’s first EVER paranetball team, in partnership with @vimto 🤯🙌

The 3 year partnership with soft drinks business Nichols PLC, will aim to make a real difference to the lives of #deaf & #disabled young people through the power of netball.💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/YdK1oV1Isd

— Manchester Thunder (@thundernetball) October 5, 2022

“Netball really is a sport for all and this shows our passion to reach out to the whole community to engage and provide this really exciting opportunity.

“We have had so much interest from a number of schools and community projects and I can’t wait to be there tomorrow morning and see a lot of smiling faces taking part in our launch session.”

Greig will be one of the special guests in attendance alongside members of the Manchester Thunder first team.

The launch session will take place between 10 and 11 am tomorrow and with the regular sessions taking place at 10am on the first Saturday of each month.

Thunder’s ParaNetball head coach Katie Thompson will deliver the free netball session which will provide attendees with suitable netball skills and fun games.

Eek less than 1 week to go until our FREE taster session! 🙌
If you are aged between 9–25 & you are deaf or disabled, we’d love for you to come to our #ParaNetball taster session in partnership with @vimto on Sat 5th Nov from 10–11am 🤩
Head to https://t.co/LWEJocP5C5 to sign up! pic.twitter.com/KI3kc1IRYJ

— Manchester Thunder (@thundernetball) October 30, 2022

Manchester Thunder will then look to take teams to compete at the annual ParaNetball Championships in February 2023.

The initiative will feature faces familiar to regular attendees at Thunder games as matchday volunteer Rebekah, who is deaf herself, will be able to offer additional support to anyone who is deaf or has a hearing impairment during the sessions.