NETBALLERS in Warrington are being inspired by the success of the England team in the Commonwealth Games.

Carolyn Gillibrand, head coach at Appleton Netball Club, says there is a 'visible buzz' around the sport on the back of Tracey Neville's girls striking gold on the Gold Coast in Australia.

And she believes netball, like her club is doing, needs to take advantage of being under the spotlight.

Players at Appleton Netball Club, which boasts 11 teams across the junior ages as well as younger training groups, were further motivated this week when they met Neville while acting as ball girls for Manchester Thunder's Super League game against Loughborough Lightning at Belle Vue Sports Village.

“As a club we really supported England through the Commonwealth Games campaign, even getting up at 4am despite having matches the next day," said Gillibrand from Great Sankey.

“After they actually brought that gold home, nothing was better than that feeling.

"Watching our girls watch the game was incredible. It was incredible for the sport and you can just feel there is a visible buzz around netball now, a real push.

"We’re seeing people pick up a ball who haven't done for years, older people. Some of the mums of one of our girls’ teams have actually started a ladies team, coming back into the sport.

"I still play so it’s a sport that has got a lot of longevity in it. You can play as a youngster and at my great age, but it is something that stays with you for life.

"I think it’s netball’s time now. And now we’ve got to really make the most of England’s success and push on, make the sport as popular as we can. It is the fastest growing women’s sport in the country and now we just need everybody else to realise it as well.”

Below, watch an interview with Appleton Netball Club head coach Carolyn Gillibrand