Leanne and Aaliyah
Read their story below
Netball loving Leanne started playing netball at school when she was 10 years old, progressing to county level and nowadays can be seen playing for a couple of teams local to her in Bury/Rossendale. Similar to her mum, Aaliyah started playing at around 8 years old, progressing to playing for her local team, as well as stepping up to help her mums team if they are short of numbers.
Playing for their teams allows the pair to get out and play multiple times a week, it’s a great way to stay active and keep accountable with Leanne adding “I love the fact that it makes me go out the house and exercise, as if you don’t turn up you will be letting the team down!”
Not only do this mother-daughter team reap the physical benefits of being part of a netball club, they have also found that they benefit so much socially too!
“It’s great having a group of ladies that all meet up and have a laugh as well as getting exercise. I have met so many people through netball over the years – its like a trade, you can take it wherever you live, to make new friends”
And it’s not just Leanne who has gained friendships, Aaliyah has found a Community outside of school, all with a common goal…for scoring goals!
“My daughter loves it as she has a really great group of friends outside of her school friendship group and they get to go to tournaments and travel the country together.”
When it comes to keeping each other motivated, Leanne says it’s great when they play together and this is only getting more intense as Aaliyah grows up improving every year and now “running rings” around her mum! Instilling this passion for netball has really solidified their wider love for keeping active, as both now share a highly competitive streak which Leanne admits “can cause arguments” – but does mean they are always keen to try any sport!
At the core of this story, playing netball together allows Leanne and Aaliyah to share precious time and continues to keep them grounded in something they have in common as Aaliyah grows and their relationship shifts.
“It’s hard when your kids start to grow up and need you less so its lovely that we get to spend this time together and can share our love of the sport”
To read more stories similar to Leanne and Aaliyah’s click here.