FEBRUARY is the season of love – something Northwich Sapphires Netball Club are aiming to tap into.

As part of their effort to keep players and coaches enthused and engaged during lockdown, the club are promoting a 'why we love netball so much' campaign.

"We will be sharing some love for the coaches and the girls, to help create a sense of positivity, in the hope we can return back to netball very soon," club coach Anna Dalziel explained.

"It’s also a great way to promote the club with the local community."

As part of this, the club are running an art competition across all of their age groups, with entries welcomed centred around why each player loves the game they play.

Along with the vast majority of recreational sports, netball has had to be put on hold during the current national lockdown.

With the Covid picture starting to brighten, however, the hope is that the spring will signal a return to the court for the club's teams across the age groups.

Until then, though, the Sapphires are keeping themselves busy in many ways.

Coaches have devised bespoke activities that focus on key netball skills as well as a 'Bee your Best' 5km running challenge and a Benchmark workout – both signed to track progression and suitable for all the family.

"We realise there is so much going on for the girls and parents from juggling work and home schooling, so we wanted to provide some family work-outs that they can opt in or out of," Dalziel said.

"We are also offering Zoom fitness for those that prefer to work with a coach in a virtual group session.

"These are done on a weekly basis and open to all to join in."

For more information about the club's activities during lockdown, visit the Northwich Sapphires Facebook page or the club website – northwichsapphiresnetball.co.uk