On a bright and crisp Tuesday morning at Oriam Sports Centre on the outskirts of Edinburgh, there’s a growing buzz of chat and laughter coming from the sports hall as the weekly Walking Netball group arrives and gets ready to start their session under the watchful eye of Rachel Mair, a Community Sports Development Officer at Heart of Midlothian FC.
Netball and football might sound like an unusual combination, but this weekly session is part of a new Step Into Health project in partnership between Netball Scotland, Hearts FC and DrinkAware, offering free weekly walking netball for women in Edinburgh.
Walking Netball is a fun, inclusive way to enjoy netball at a gentler pace - keeping the teamwork, skill and laughter that make the sport so special, while offering a safer, more manageable format for anyone looking to stay active – or looking to try something new.
Netball is brilliant for improving balance, coordination and mobility, but just as importantly walking netball clubs support mental wellbeing too, creating routine, connection and a real sense of belonging.
For many people, the sessions are a weekly highlight: a chance to move, chat, laugh and feel part of something and that sense of belonging is clearly visible in the enjoyment, laughter and friendship on show at Oriam.
Wizzy Mills from Netball Scotland explains, “it's so much more than a game… it’s a powerful way of bringing people together, creating friendships, laughter, and a genuine sense of belonging within the community.”
The sessions are known for providing a safe and manageable way to stay active and improve both physical and mental wellbeing. For many participants, it reduces isolation, rebuilds confidence, and strengthens community ties.
Wizzy adds:
“Everyone, regardless of age or ability, can step onto the court with confidence”. It reminds us why we started playing in the first place - for the joy, teamwork, and love of the sport”.
As Netball gears up for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, walking netball and other formats of the game such as recreational netball (RecNet) are perfect for women and girls at all levels of physical activity, confidence and fitness to come along, try something new and make new connections, to enjoy the social as well as the physical benefits of netball.
What participants say
The best way to understand Walking Netball is to hear from the people who show up, join in and keep coming back:
“It’s a team sport and you will be made to feel so comfortable. I hadn’t played since I was in primary school. I’ve enjoyed returning and it’s a great fun way to stay active.”
“I’ve come along without having known anybody. Everyone is so welcoming, happy to help out and I haven’t looked back since.”
“Come along and give it a try and I bet you’ll come back.”
Step into Health
Walking Netball is also offered as part of Step into Health - a fun, social and potentially life-changing 12-week free programme run by Heart of Midlothian to support men and women over the age of 50.
It’s important to continue to build routines that support long-term health and wellbeing, and to understand the impact that lifestyle can have on how we feel day to day.
Step into Health combines the enjoyment of Walking Netball (and Walking Football) with simple, practical guidance to help participants drink a little less and feel a lot better.
Even if you’ve not played since school, the sessions are designed to ease you back into movement and are suitable for all levels of fitness. There’s no pressure and no judgement: just friendly support, inclusive activity, and a warm welcome each week. The perfect opportunity to try something new!
For body and mind
Walking Netball is a brilliant option for anyone looking to be active in a way that feels achievable, enjoyable, and social. It helps build:
- Confidence (especially if you’ve not played sport in years)
- Connection (a regular space to laugh, chat, and feel part of a group)
- Consistency (a weekly routine you genuinely look forward to)
- Wellbeing (supporting both physical and mental health in a manageable way)
Whether you join a local Walking Netball session or take part through Heart of Midlothian’s Step into Health programme, the message is the same: netball is for everyone - and it’s for life.
Each week, you’ll enjoy:
- Gentle, inclusive exercise through Walking Netball
- Easy, practical wellbeing guidance and friendly support
- Small lifestyle changes that last, without lectures
- Progress tracking, to show how small shifts can make a big difference
The programme is delivered with proven tips from partners at Drinkaware, helping participants feel healthier, sleep better, and have more energy - showing how drinking just a little less can have a positive impact on overall wellbeing.
Ready to give it a try?
If you’re looking for a welcoming, social way to move more and feel better, Walking Netball is a great place to begin. The Step into Health program is a brilliant place to start, with two further cohorts accepting participants this year.
There are Walking Netball clubs and groups across the country, use the Netball Scotland Club Finder tool at NetballScotland.com to find your closest session and try something new.
Find out more
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