A NEW initiative has just been launched on the Millmead estate in Margate to improve sporting opportunities for local mothers and young women. A series of netball practice sessions have already been held on the new hard court area at the end of Dane Valley Road.

Now women are being offered professional coaching by Lisa Schultz at Hartsdown Leisure Centre. Thanet council is working on the project in partnership with the Millmead Neighbourhood Association, Northdown Community Association, Sport England and Sure Start, who are providing childcare facilities for women who are taking part in the netball coaching.

Thanet Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Paul Rollins, said: “There are no such sporting opportunities for local mothers and young women in this area at the moment, so there is a real need for such an initiative to be put in place. It is hoped this will have a positive effect on the estate and will lead to bigger and better things in the future”.

It is hoped the project will eventually be extended to include after school clubs and half term and summer holiday coaching courses for young girls. For details, please contact either John McKellar, Active Community Officer, on (01843) 577 021 or Jo Devlin from Surestart on (01843) 221 325.