MEET THE TEAM- this week we have Katie. Katie is our Dream Team GK and has shown great progress the past couple of seasons! We are very proud of Katie- who is also using her social media platforms to raise awareness about TIC disorders and Tourette’s. Katie suffers with this on a daily basis, but South & West Dorset Netball League have been very accepting and supportive of Katie- and she is loved and valued by all in the league.

Katie writes:

“I started playing netball as during the summer I was watching Nola play, and it looked like great fun and I realised it’s a brilliant way to get fit and socialise aswell as make new friends or should I say a family. And my passion for it has just grown more and more! I LOVE IT!!”

Thank you to our sponsors from Dream digital weight loss support Ltd. for supporting Katie in playing something she loves!
 

  MEET THE TEAM- this week we have Julie. Julie is one of the Zest OG’s and is our Finance Manager. Julie has demonstrated such resilience the past few seasons and always tried her best. This season, we aim to focus on Julie’s confidence and her umpiring. Julie says:

“Rediscovering my love for netball has been amazing. Playing again fills me with happiness and energy and allows me to feel young again. It's not just a sport – it's helped my mental well-being too. Allowing me precious ‘me’ time away from mum duties and working life. Being with my teammates, the excitement of the game, and the feeling of accomplishment all boost my mood and make me feel really good.

My teammates have quickly become more than just fellow players; they're my newfound family, the best bunch of close friends who share not only the court but also a special connection that goes beyond the game of netball.

Beyond the camaraderie, playing together has also significantly improved my fitness, making me appreciate both the physical and social aspects of the sport even more.”
 

 MEET THE TEAM

This week we have the lovely Annabel who stepped straight into the energetic role of C! Annabel has fitted straight into the team and her smile brightens the court every week. We feel very blessed to have you on our Zest Team. This week Annabel starts her new teaching job- and all your teammates would like to wish you Good Luck Annabel writes:

Hi I'm Annabel and I’ve been part of the Zest/ Dream team since March! I first starting playing netball back in secondary school but stopped due to exams and going to university. I used to play GA but was convinced to try out C and I hate to admit it… but I love it! Not only have a got back into a sport I love, I have also found a great bunch of women who I love playing alongside
  
 

 MEET THE TEAM

This week we have Emily. Emily is one of our developing players in Dream and has been with their team since the start. Emily received the most number of team votes for team Player of the Match last season and is a dedicated and wonderful part of Dream and our whole club! Emily never gives up, keeps going and learning and pushing herself! We all love you!

Emily writes:

I joined Zest and Dream as I wanted something to keep me fit and a chance to make new friends, and I found just that. I love playing netball with a bunch of great ladies and feeling like part of a team. Developing my skills constantly and feeling really proud every time I play.

MEET THE TEAM!

Introducing Zest’s pocket rocket Lauren. Lauren is our WA/C and is often key to the flow of the games and feeding those awesome balls into the circle! Lauren has been a huge asset to the club- and has bought a few players our way over the past few seasons. We are forever grateful for what she contributes on the court and the support she provides off the court with duties and helping or wonderful Dream Team. 

Lauren says:

I fell in love with netball when I was in year 5 and have not looked back since! Since joining this league nearly 10 years ago, I have made some amazing friendships and love that we all share this passion! 

I hope my knees, calves and ankles hold up so I can continue to play this sport for many years to come!

MEET THE TEAM!

Meet Danielle- one of our incredible defensive players in our Dream Team. Dani was our most improved player last season and while her new job means she isn’t always playing at the moment- we very much value and love Dani!!

Dani says: I love playing netball with these amazing ladies because it helps to keep me fit and healthy whilst having a laugh at the same time. It is like having a second family.

MEET THE TEAM!

MEET THE TEAM: this is Sian. Sian has been a valuable member of Zest since the club started. Sian is our leading WD although is a dab hand at GD too. Sians commitment to the game and our club saw her get Zests Most Improved Player last season. 

Sian says:  I joined netball to improve my fitness and meet new people. I love netball because of the team spirit, we all look out for each other and each week I notice my fitness improving. 

We love and value you Sian- and also Lucie (her daughter) that is often one of our biggest cheer leaders at training and match nights  

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MEET THE TEAM!

MEET THE TEAM: This week we have our Dream GS Bekii. Bekii and Theresa are quickly forming an amazing duo in the shooting circle and Bekii is an asset to the club.  Bekii writes:

Back in school, I was always playing netball and it was something that I had always loved. Once I moved back to Weymouth after uni, I wanted to find a team and get back to playing. I am so glad I finally found Zest and Dream. There has never been a training session or match that I haven't laughed at and I always go home feeling positive, supported and happy. Netball isn't just about fitness, training and success, it's also such a fantastic tool for your mental health and to keep a positive mindset. Being part of the team doesn't just mean team training and playing matches, it is so much more than that. My favourite part about being in this team is the social aspect that comes with it. You join a family and will be quickly feel incredibly welcomed into such a fantastic group of people. I love playing netball because I am lucky enough to play with this group of ladies and for a team that recognises each and everyone one of its players' strengths and celebrates every individual success both in and out of netball. 

We are also grateful you chose our club and grateful you are doing your Umpiring course starting this month! 

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MEET THE TEAM!

 MEET THE TEAM: this is Kirsty- Zests amazing GD. Kirsty is new this season but a perfect addition with her Fran Williams style interceptions and amazing energy. Kirsty is kind and a perfect fit for our club.

Kirsty says: Hi I’m Kirsty, I have recently returned to netball after having a 3 year break to complete a degree. Having played for a number of years prior, I was excited to return and a little nervous. Though Zest made it very easy, as everyone was so lovely and supportive! Being a working mum, netball gives me a chance to have some time to myself, whilst keeping physically active and promoting good mental health. I always come away from playing feeling really positive. Netball also provides an opportunity to build new relationships and social groups. Something I am very much looking forward to in entering my first season with Zest

We are so happy to have you on the courts with us Kirsty
 

MEET THE TEAM!

MEET THE TEAM! This is Scarlett. Scarlett is one of our developing Dream players and has been working hard over the seasons to build her confidence and improve her game play against adults. Scarlett also attends Juniors on a Saturday and is a very valued member of the club. 

Scarlett says: I like netball and enjoy it because it is fun to learn a new skill and have fun with friends and family whilst playing a sport and staying fit. I love that in our club everyone supports you even through tough times if u are ill or injured they will support you no matter what. 

We look forwards to what the future brings with you Scarlett and your awesome shooting!
 

MEET THE TEAM!

 MEET THE TEAM. This week we have Lyndsey, Zests GK and defensive leaping lizard. Consistently brilliant and always providing a kindness and energy on court we are proud to represent. 

Lynds says: I’ve played netball for about 30 years now and just love it! love being part of a team, and all working to improve and support each other on the court but also off. Hopefully, eventually my daughter will also join us. Everyone looks out for each other and it’s just so lovely. I’m lucky to be part of such an amazing netball club xxx

We love you being part of our club too
 

MEET THE TEAM!

MEET THE TEAM- introducing Carla! One of our new players and GA for Dream, Carla’s debut match last night resulted is some fab photos thanks to the lovely Kev. So excited to watch Dream develop and Carla is integral to that.
Carla shares:
I love netball for the sense of belonging it provides as part of an amazing team like Dream. The friendly atmosphere makes it not just a great way to stay active, but also an opportunity to forge new friendships. It’s the only time I can don a uniform and feel like an athlete, even if my biggest challenge is avoiding tripping over my own feet while trying to look impressive!

So happy to have you in the club!
  

 
MEET THE TEAM: This week we have another of our developing players Kaci. Kaci is a versatile little pocket rocket on the court and we feel very blessed to share her netball journey.

Kaci says: I love netball so much. It has really helped my confidence grow more and more. I love learning new things every training session. It’s so nice how everyone in the club looks out for one another. It’s such a nice environment to be in.

Looking forwards to training with you in a couple of weeks again!
 

  MEET THE TEAM: one of this seasons new Zest players- the amazing Zoe. Zoe plays in defence for Zest and is a huge asset to the team and club.
Zoe says:

Netball was a huge part of my life through school college and then through playing for my university. I love the game and had many happy years travelling all over the country playing for my university and county.

Having suffered injury, then having my son meant I stopped for years. This year, I decided I wanted to get back to the sport I loved and stumbled across Zest and Dream where I have found the loveliest team, who not only love the sport, but take care of each other and have a loads of fun with it. It’s just what i needed and I am super pleased I decided to join them.

Zoe has fitted right into our club, celebrating our ethos and spreading smiles and kindness. We are all so pleased you found us


 

 
 MEET THE TEAM: Vikki returned to netball and joined Zest for their first game of the season. Vikki forms part of our amazing defence and has been a natural fit to the club, even bringing sister Louise along who we met a couple of weeks ago.

Vikki says: I love playing netball, and have played in the league on and off over the past 20+ years!
Over those years I have met some amazing ladies, and lots of whom I consider good friends.
So when one of those friends asked if I would consider joining zest/dream, I jumped at the chance! Since joining, all the girlies have welcomed me with open arms and immediately I felt ‘part of the team’.
It’s a great way to get active and improve fitness...the only downside is having to cut your nails off

We are so glad you cut your nails for us!


 

 
 MEET THE TEAM: today we have Meegan. This week saw Meegan officially move up to Zest as our C and mid court player. She lead Dream initially and has helped them create a cohesive and fabulous team. Meegan is a force of nature and one of the kindest souls.

Meegan writes: I love playing netball. I have played for many years now with having two breaks after having children. Since returning I joined this club. I spent first year playing for Dream which has been amazing. Being their captain and watching the team develop is priceless. For my own development I have now moved across to Zest which again is a fantastic team. Our club is a little community where I have met friends for life. The support we have for each other is just amazing. I’m looking forward to the new challenge ahead playing for this fab club and for Zest.

Having you in our club is amazing. You’re a role model and demonstrate kindness and compassion at all times. We are a lucky club
 

 
MEET THE TEAM: Introducing Kath, our new Dream Defender and all round court entertainer. Kath has injected new life and energy onto the court.
When asked about netball, Kath writes:

Being back on court has been such an amazing buzz for me. I use to play back in school and was so passionate about netball I wish I had never stopped. Playing for Dream is such a privilege, everyone is so lovely and welcoming. I look forward to many more netball matches and training sessions with such a great team.

We are glad you joined us Kath    

 MEET THE TEAM! This week we have Hayley who joined us earlier this year with a view to just train. However, Hayley’s skill and spirit was a welcome addition to Dream and we are so grateful she agreed to affiliate and join.

Hayley says:

I played netball all throughout my school years at Budmouth, so to come back to the courts after a long spell takes me back to such great memories. I loved netball.....in year 9 we went to Holland to play in a tournament and it was such a great experience. Joining Dream has made me realise how much I missed it. The girls on the team are so supportive and make the matches so enjoyable. It’s all about having fun, doing a bit of fitness and being part of such a great team.

We are lucky to have you Hayley!
 

 MEET THE TEAM: this week we have a long term member of the SWDNL Julie Bell.

Julie has not only added incredible expertise, experience and kindness to our Dream team, but is our highest qualified C award umpire. Most weeks Julie plays and then umpires a full game- as well as holding down several jobs and looking after family and horses. She is simply Wonder Woman!

Julie says:
I have returned to netball following a break of many years playing, umpiring & as a team captain. I have enjoyed playing netball since the school days & have kept this up.
I first returned “back to netball” to continue with my love of the sport & for fitness. I was invited by this club to come along & see how I felt about rejoing the league within this club.
The whole club made me very welcome & are such a lovely bunch of ladies. We continue to build up on players confidence & strengths, this has been proven week by week. The Dream team thrive on passion & fun. I now play regularly for Dream & represent the club with umpiring & enjoy being part of this club.

We love that you decided to rejoin the league with us Julie and are forever grateful for your commitment to playing and umpiring, especially given it’s the winter season!
  

MEET THE TEAM: This week we introduce club manager and Zest GA/GS Nola. Nola has been with Zest since the start and also umpires, helps to coach and helps to manage the club along with others on the committee. Nola is also in the SWDNL committee in her new role as Mental Health Officer.

Nola says: I returned to Netball after 16 years when I moved here and realised I needed to make friends outside of work and find my feet in Weymouth. Netball gave me a family and an escape from the bustle of life. Having played at school, for a local club and through University, it felt great to be back on the court. Playing and umpiring is the only time I feel I am in the moment and my head stops being busy. As a proud single mum to Betsy Pearl, Netball is MY time. The club is like a family and I am very proud of how far we have all come and what we represent.