As Simple Netball League’s indoor leagues draw to a close, our thoughts turn to the summer and how different our outdoor netball leagues can feel!  It’s not just about the challenge of trying to shoot with the wind swirling; the summer leagues often feel more social and many teams go for a drink after their games.

Our summer venues

Didsbury is a good example of this culture and we return to Didsbury Sports Centre for our sixth summer of netball (on newly resurfaced courts, no less!). 

William Hulme Grammar School (WHGS) is another popular venue for our summer leagues and it’s good to be able to invite more teams to play here over the summer.  I expect a small stampede in September when it’s time to sign up for the indoor leagues at WHGS....

St Bedes College in Alexandra Park is a new venue for our Manchester Leagues.  The courts are hidden away behind a tall wall and some even taller trees in this quiet location near Chorlton. 

We will also be staying on at the Velodrome in Sportcity on Wednesday evenings for our only indoor league over the summer.  It’s been very warm in there recently so I’m hoping they’ll turn down the heating very soon!  With the Olympics on the horizon though, I think the wishes of the cyclists will be at the forefront of their minds, and maybe not ours!

Drink anyone?

The light nights and sunny weather always encourage people to be a bit more social and there are plenty of options in both Didsbury and Chorlton if you’re going to a swift bevy after your game.  The Didsbury (http://www.didsburylife.com/profile/217/the-didsbury.html) is always a good option when the weather’s nice and you can sit outside and watch the world go by.  It’s also good if you’re a bit sweaty after your match so you can cool off!

You’re spoilt for choice in Chorlton when it comes to bars and they’re pretty much all just a stone’s throw from WHGS.  They all offer a good vibe and a refreshing drink after a game – what more could you ask for? If you’re looking for a bite to eat, The Horse and Jockey at the end of Beech Rd have a good menu (www.horseandjockeychorlton.com) and some interesting independent beers on tap. It is a bit further than Wilbraham Rd but maybe worth the trip!

If you think the netball teams playing at the Velodrome will miss out over the summer then think again!  There’s a lovely cafe bar near the entrance to the National Cycling Centre which is well worth a visit, especially if you’re looking to refuel before you game.  It evens sells alcohol so you can still enjoy a beer or two after your game if you so wish!

Make the most of this summer and enjoy your evenings with your Simple Netball team mates...and raise a glass for us too!