Oxfordshire netballers get their kit off for charity calendar (From thisisoxfordshire)

Oxfordshire netballers get their kit off for charity calendar

6:26pm Thursday 10th December 2009

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NETBALL enthusiasts from across Oxfordshire swapped their kits for lacy underwear for a calendar to raise £18,000 for new pitches.

Oxfordshire Netball, the county’s governing body for the sport, is working with Oxford City Football Club on a £1.5m initiative for new outdoor pitches and netball courts at Court Place Farm.

Last year, the club off Marsh Lane, Marston, submitted a planning application featuring an all-weather pitch, six netball courts, four grass pitches and changing rooms.

The club will hear from the Football Foundation in February whether its application for a £1m grant has been approved, and the whole scheme could cost up to £1.9m.

Claire Routledge, 30, of Abingdon Centre netball team, which plays at John Mason School in Abingdon, said the photoshoot took place in October in a hangar near the Railway pub in Culham.

“It was a bit cold and wet but a couple of glasses of wine helped us to relax,” she said.

“Girls from the Abingdon Centre have done two calendars before. I wouldn’t say we were veterans at getting our kit off but it was our third go.

“It was a cheeky bit of fun and I think it’s in good taste.

“I’ve been in my club for 15 years and I adore it – it’s a great way of keeping fit and it’s very good for social networking.

“Getting these new facilities will allow even more women to play netball in Oxfordshire.”

Sue Blackshaw, facilities coordinator for Oxfordshire Netball, said they were trying to raise £30,000 towards the netball courts by February.

She added: “More than 1,100 women and girls in Oxfordshire play netball for a local team and it’s a great way for women to keep fit.

“But the facilities are pretty dire and we desperately need these new pitches.

“We’ve printed 4,000 calendars and hope to raise £18,000 by selling each one for £5.

“They’re a bit of fun and I think they would make a nice Christmas present.

“Some of the girls were a bit more nervous than others but it was a great effort for a good cause.”

There are 24 clubs across the county but many are unable to take on more players.

Netballers from Abingdon Centre, Abingdon Ladies, John Radcliffe, Kidlington, Oxford Science Park, Witney and Vale took part in the calendar shoot.

Oxfordshire Netball is also asking parish councils to contribute £500 to the new facilities as school tournaments will be held at the new centre.

To get a calendar email oxfordshirenetball @googlemail.com or buy them on Saturday morning in Abingdon market place.

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