Falmouth Netball Club's first team have secured promotion into Division 1 of the Cornwall Netball Winter League.

The team finished top of Division 2 with 11 wins from 13 games, scoring an average of over 50 goals per game.

This fine form sees the team return to the top division for the first time since the 1996/97 season.

Head Coach, Emma Short said: “I’m so proud of this team! We had new players join the squad this season but they’ve gelled straight away and played some incredible netball together. I think this shows that you can have a Club which is driven by the enjoyment of netball to achieve at a high level.

“My aim as coach is to encourage and develop every player as an individual, and to do that in a way which is appropriate for them. Some players want to be stretched and are very driven to achieve, others just want to have fun on court and make some new friends. There’s space for everyone at our club.”

Captain Lisa Stevens said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and honour to captain Falmouth first team. Our squad of ten players selected at the start of the season consisted of both new players and long-standing members.

“My belief is that a strong team is built on respect, commitment and a positive attitude these qualities along with the talents and flexibility of each member of the team lead to us winning the division and gaining promotion. I am so proud of every player.

“Thank you to our committee and for the support of Falmouth 2, 3, and social teams for always being there supporting and cheering us on from the sidelines. We look forward to next season.”

Club chair, Hannah Partington said: “This is a really exciting moment for the Club, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to take advantage of netball’s moment in the sun, attract new members to the Club and enhance what we can offer.

“Our ethos has always been to be a fun, friendly and welcoming club. Like lots of sports clubs will say, we’re like a big family and what we offer goes beyond playing netball.”

In normal times, the club train every Monday evening at Falmouth School. Anyone interested in joining the club can contact them on falmouthnc@hotmail.co.uk or via facebook.com/falmouthnetball. Players of any level are welcome, but must be aged 15 or above.