Established in 1998 and based in Sale, Manchester Korfball Club provide a supportive and welcoming environment for new people to start playing korfball. The group provides an environment for players to reach their potential through personal fulfilment or sporting achievement, and the participants enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits it brings.

But what exactly is korfball? Invented in Holland in 1903, it’s a ball sport with similarities to netball and basketball. It is played by two teams of eight players, with four females and four males in each team. The objective is to throw a ball through a bottomless basket that is mounted on a 3.5m-high pole.

Manchester Korfball players come from a wide cross-section of the community. From people who’ve recently moved to the area and are looking to try a new hobby and meet friends, to students and sporty types seeking a new challenge, through to new mums returning to sport, there really is something for everyone at Manchester Korfball Club.

Sarah Friday, who helps run Manchester Korfball at Sale Leisure Centre in Trafford, says: “As a mixed team sport, korfball has a wide appeal in the community and is accessible to people of all ages, genders and abilities.”

Manchester Korfball Club welcome players of all abilities and ages to the sport, whether they want to play for fun or compete at a higher level.

Sarah explains: “There is a perception that team sport requires compulsory commitment to hours of training or competing, and that clubs only welcome ‘certain kinds’ of new players. Manchester Korfball Club couldn’t be more different, and we pride ourselves on breaking down the barriers people have to playing sport and helping them to lead healthier lifestyles, whilst enjoying the benefits of togetherness and friendship that playing team sport brings. We are happy to accommodate people who need to balance family and work life and are committed to giving people the opportunity to join in at whatever level they can.”