From weight loss to improved fitness and confidence, the sport is helping Islanders embrace healthier lifestyles.
Netball is a key feature of the Island’s Gloji Lose Weight Programme, which offers 12 free weekly sessions at local leisure centres.
Led by qualified coaches, these sessions provide a supportive environment for women to get active, improve wellbeing and rediscover the joy of team sport.
For Adele Norman from Binstead, the programme was life-changing.
“Being perimenopausal, I had put on a massive amount of weight and my mental health suffered,” she says.
“My son saw the Gloji netball advert and reminded me how much I loved the sport.
“It gave me the chance to lose weight doing something I once adored.”
Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, characterised by hormonal fluctuations and symptoms.
In 12 weeks, Adele lost 1.5 stone and regained her passion for netball — even joining a charity tournament.
“The Gloji app and weekly weigh-ins kept me motivated. This programme was the catalyst for my journey to better health and mental wellbeing,” she added.
Lorna Malcolm from East Cowes shares a similar story.
“We were a group of women who hadn’t played since school,” said Lorna.
“At first, jogging the length of the court felt impossible!
“But the encouragement and laughter kept us going and, by the end, we didn’t want it to stop.”
The group formed their own team, Glojis, and now play in a local league every Thursday.
They’ve even tried beach netball.
“We’ve become fitter, stronger, and built lifelong friendships,” adds Lorna.
According to Adam Tolmie, engagements and partnership officer at Gloji Isle of Wight, the programme is non-competitive and inclusive.
“It’s about social connection and healthier choices,” he explained.
“Participants also access a flexible digital weight-loss plan with recipes, videos and live events.”
For Isle of Wight women, netball is proving to be more than exercise.
It’s a route to confidence, community and lasting health benefits.