OVs for all – enjoying the benefits of RAF Sport as a Master

As a charity we want everyone regardless of their role, rank, physical ability or competing level to have access to sports facilities, equipment and training. Part of our annual funding to the Sports Associations includes support of overseas visits (OVs) to encourage individual and team development. These visits not only allow for competition with non-UK teams, but also challenge personnel to operate in an unfamiliar sporting environment which in turn, enhances morale with the aim of increasing motivation in their sport.

Last Autumn, the RAF Netball Association visited sunny Australia on an overseas visit designed to develop teamwork, communication and tactical skills whilst demonstrating Masters level participation in RAF Sport internationally. We caught up with two of the players who came into the team from very different starting points to find out exactly how important overseas visits are and why it’s never too late to take up a sport and join an association.

Flight Sergeant Erica Flewin had previously played netball at a Station level but being a nurse meant she was not always attached to main bases and consequently found joining a Station team difficult. However, during a tournament she attended through a unit team, Erica was selected for trials and got a taste of the highest level of netball she had ever played. Citing this as the start of her Masters journey, she explains,

“Unsurprisingly, I was not selected for the Open/Development team, but I was given the contact for our lovely Masters team manager, and this amazing world of Masters and RAF Netball was opened up to me.

One of Erica’s fellow teammates, Sergeant Diane Whitaker, hadn’t played netball since school until five years ago when she decided to join a local league outside of the RAF. Realising how much she enjoyed the fitness and social aspect of the sport; it quickly became a huge part of her life and a move to Brize Norton saw her become OIC of the Station team as well as the RAF Netball Development Rep.

The teammates agreed that their visit to the Gold Coast was without a doubt the highlight of their career, creating lifelong friendships and developing skills they could take back to the court at home.

“Australia without doubt improved our performance at this year’s Interservice competition.” said Diane. “We were incredibly lucky to have Kirsty, our coach, help improve our skills throughout the tour which we could then put into practice against the Army and Navy. To have that exposure to coaching for two weeks solid was invaluable.”

The trip Down Under saw the thirteen-strong RAF netballers begin their adventure at Gallipoli Barracks, kindly hosted by the Australian Defence Force. After a couple of acclimatisation days involving morning yoga, swim sessions, and even a cuddle with a koala or two, the team got straight into training and practice match play in preparation for the Pan Pacific Masters Tournament.

Upon arrival at the Gold Coast, the team were ready for the upcoming week of back-to-back netball. They were met with tough competition in their Over 35 division, including 6ft 10in Sri Lankan player, Tharjini Sivalingam, the tallest netball player in the world!  Despite placing fourth and narrowly missing out on a medal after some close-run matches, the RAF Masters team took home the award for ‘Team Spirit’.

Australia without doubt improved our performance at this year’s Interservice competition.

Erica acknowledges how valuable it was to play overseas, “Being able to experience a different style of play was extremely beneficial,” she explains, “Netball Australia is huge, and the skills are learnt from a younger age, naturally making the competition fiercer. Playing overseas also increased my confidence and took away the challenges of everyday life, so we were able to focus on the sport and the team.”

The RAF Netball Masters team is a great example of the benefits of taking part in sport no matter where you start. From taking up netball properly only five years ago, Diane’s first role entailed getting Stations back to the sport post Covid. She created ‘how-to’ guides detailing netball sessions and Covid rules for those Stations just starting out, conveying the benefits of sport, and encouraging people to get back to playing and keep active. Today, she is actively involved in running annual tournaments, as well as focusing on the inclusion of men in the game – something that is becoming increasingly popular.

When asked how someone could get into sport, particularly if they think they are ‘too old’, Diane said,

“When we played in Australia, there was a lady who was still playing at 83! Granted it was walking netball, but it shows age is just a number. I would encourage those who want to get involved to reach out to their station team. There are mixed abilities throughout the RAF, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or haven’t played for years. We have seen these people before and have gone on to watch them represent the RAF, myself included. If you’re thinking about joining a sport, regardless of your age or ability, just give it a go. You never know how far it will take you!”

Interested in RAF Netball? Get in touch with the association on socials @RAFNetball and check out their Spring Tournament if you’re at RAF Cosford 18-20 May 2023!