‘Comfortable sportswear should not be expensive’

What sports shoes do you recommend?

Robert, South West

The sports shoes that I’m currently wearing are from Puma. They’re very comfortable and have support. I actually wear a basketball shoe at the minute to have more support up the ankle.

A lot of the girls wear Asics as well, which I know is the netball shoe. I’ve worn Puma for the last four years, so I would recommend them.

But honestly, whatever works best for you, you have to try them out. Whatever is best for your instep and whatever is comfiest. And if you need more ankle support, you can put some ankle braces on.

How has playing for Manchester Thunder helped you develop as a player?

Jason, London

Manchester has massively helped me develop as a player. I’ve been playing here since 2012. As a young girl, it created me as a person, to be honest with you. It’s such a family environment that I think a lot of my values come from this club. So my family values, being connected, creating energy – all those things come rooted from this club, which is incredible.

I think whatever step you are in your career, whether you’re a young athlete or senior, they help you develop. Even now I’m 31, they’re still helping me learn new things on the court. The coaches are incredible, and I’m constantly learning and being inspired by them every single week.

Do players retire from elite netball quite young?

Helen, South West

I think it depends on the athlete. Some can retire at 40, and that’s because their bodies are so conditioned, and they might not have had any major injuries in their career. They’re able to continue to push themselves all the way until 40.

But I’d say the average is probably mid-30s. Now the Super League has become professional, the younger athletes are getting better training from a younger age. We want to keep pushing ourselves to play as long as possible.

How can netball get more coverage when women’s football is constantly pushed?

Sarah, South West

I think netball needs to have more sponsors to get more media coverage. Bigger sponsors.

Players need to put their personalities more out there on social media, so brands will want to work with us. Everyone’s got amazing personalities in netball. They [brands] should want to be a part of the netball players’ stories and the netball teams.

But it’s about getting as much exposure as possible, and making sure that everyone is going on YouTube or BBC, so more people are able to learn about the sport.

I loved netball at school. How do I get involved now in my 60s?

Sue, Yorkshire

Netball is for everyone. I personally love going to walking netball sessions and taking them through classes. You can go to the England Netball website and find out where you can play locally.

There’s also Back to Netball, depending on your ability and what you want to get out of it. Personally, I think walking netball is so much fun. The women who are in those sessions are a huge laugh, and I know when I retire, I’m going to be joining a group, for sure.

Apart from netball, what other hobbies do you have? How do they help you relieve the pressure of competition?

George, London

I feel like over the past few years I’ve really got into some new hobbies. I love reading. I love fantasy reading, like Throne of Glass. I love BookTok, so I’ve really got into that.

I’m also very crafty. I like making things – I’ve made little crochet bees for all the girls, and I like drawing, and painting occasionally – just wholesome activities to take me away from netball life. As soon as I zone in on an activity, I’m locked in and I have to complete it.