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Lisa, tell us about your netball hobby.

I have loved playing netball ever since I was seven. I picked up a netball in my PE class and was hooked. I loved the dashing and darting, the challenge of not being able to run with the ball, and the team spirit. I played throughout primary school, and then in high school. The team there was made up of me and six of my best mates, which made going to netball matches at other schools extra fun. We would pile into the minibus and sing songs, and then after a match we would either commiserate or celebrate on the journey home!

I carried on playing throughout university and have also played for various work teams.

I currently play for Moseley Netball Club. This team was set up about two years ago. A group of us from another club decided to leave and set the club up. We play in the Birmingham Netball League and have just finished the season on a high – second place of Division 2!

My preferred position is centre, which requires me to run around non-stop for an hour. It’s tiring, but worth it.

What's the best thing about your hobby?

There are so many! It keeps me fit and I get such an endorphin hit from playing matches. It’s also the one constant in my life. When I’m on the netball court I can forget about everything else for an hour!

But, the thing I love about it the most is the team aspect – everyone working towards the same goal, together.

What's the worst thing?

Having to keep my fingernails short.

What would you say to someone considering taking up netball?

I would highly recommend it! As well as being a great team sport, it’s also a brilliant spectator sport. I was lucky enough to get tickets to a couple of matches at the Commonwealth Games last year where I saw South Africa thrash Barbados 91-36. The atmosphere was electric, and I particularly enjoyed the Bajan fans who brought drums into the stands to fire up the crowd! My kids also loved the experience. I have since tried to persuade my daughter, Lyra, to take up netball. However, her heart currently belongs to gymnastics.