My Reservist Netball Sporting Journey
By Private Keicha Colton-Palmer
Growing up Netball has always been a sport I enjoyed and whilst in Secondary education, I was selected to play for the county team, however due to a fractured ankle and my academic load, Netball was put on the back burner.
S
everal years later, this changed, as I joined the Corps’ Warriors Netball Team, and my passion was rekindled. Nervous at first, I attended the training / trial for the Inter Corps selection and loved every second. The adrenaline from playing the sport again was exciting, not to mention the amazing support and encouragement from coaches and players. I could see the management and team had a strong bond, encouraging individual and team success. After our victory in the Inter Corps Championships, I remember thinking that I need more Netball in my life. It was the Chairperson Lieutenant Colonel Lorraine Thomas who said to me “Welcome to the team and good to see you have the Netball bug”.
On returning home, I was successful at a trial for a local team; one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Hampshire and by February 2022, I was officially made a member of Tongham Netball Club. I was lucky to be around such welcoming and encouraging females and I was honoured and proud to Captain one of the senior squads and join the committee in May 22.
Whilst attached to the University of London Officers’ Training Corps, I established a team, holding weekly training sessions and entered several competitions. I also dipped my toes into the coaching pool, educating myself and using my time
Warriors Netball AGC Team 2022 (that’s me third from right).
to research the sport. The inclusion of male players was encouraged and supported by both students and permanent staff. This team held their own during the Army’s Mixed Inter Unit Tournament in Aldershot, placed third overall. Another success for the team was placing first in the General Officer Commanding London District Netball Cup, remaining undefeated throughout.
Since transferring to 256 (City of London) Field Hospital, my opportunities and scope for networking have expanded and whilst attending the Army Medical Services Inter Unit Competition, I had the pleasure of meeting people who share the same enjoyment and love of playing this fantastic sport.
My aspiration for the future as a Reservist is, to gain a place on the Army Netball Team, to improve my confidence and skills further, along with gaining some Officiating and Coaching qualifications, encouraged, and sponsored by the Army Sports Control Board.
My journey has been exhilarating; developing both physically and mentally, whilst acknowledging that there is still more to learn. My experience of the Netball community within the Corps and Army is very positive, having met some amazing people and the opportunities are endless. The Army appealed to me for the sense of adventure, challenge, and camaraderie, which I have found in abundance within the Netball Community. It all started with the Corps team and my first Inter-Corps Championship, which I would highly recommend to others.
126 AGC JOURNAL 2022
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