Many happy returners at Ripon City Netball Club
by
Last updated Apr 15, 2021
Photo of Jackie Laugher
Jackie Laugher, spurred on by Olympic gold medallist son Jack, was back in netball training.

It was time for many happy returns at Ripon City Netball Club this week.

The spontaneous singing of ‘Happy Birthday to You’, signalled the arrival on court of Jackie Laugher.

For the mother of Olympic gold medal winning diver Jack, it was the sporting icing on the cake.

On a sunlit evening, she met with team mates she hadn’t seen face-to-face for seven months.

Jackie told the Stray Ferret:

“It’s lovely to be back among friends.”

Photo of Ripon City Netball Club training session

Families and friends – Helen and Amy Mackenzie (left) are pictured with, from left: Jackie Laugher, Lindsi Baldwin and her sister Kirsteen Dixon

Jack, who won his diving gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, had rung his mother earlier to wish her a happy birthday.

She said:

“He is always encouraging me and was pleased to hear I was heading out for netball training and keeping myself fit.”

For Jack, the road to Olympic gold started at Ripon’s Spa Baths where he was taught to swim by Sylvia Grice.

His sporting prowess was developed further at Ripon Grammar School, where he was taught by Sylvia’s daughter and PE teacher Helen Mackenzie.

The connection between the families continues, as Helen is head coach at Ripon City Netball Club, where her daughter Amy is a rising star.

She said:

“The aim since we set off seven years ago has been to create a club based on three words – participate, enjoy, succeed.

“We are inclusive, welcoming all-comers.

“This sees mothers alongside their daughters and siblings enjoying training and playing together.”

Club secretary Kirsteen Dixon who was present with her sister Lindsi Baldwin, said:

“These times are so special, it’s like turning the clock back to school days, when we first learnt to play netball.

“Many lasting friendships developed from this.

“The social aspect is as important as the sporting activity.”

Covid lockdown saw the suspension of netball in September.

Ripon City, which plays in the Hambleton, Harrogate, York and North Yorkshire Ambassadors leagues is now preparing for games later this year.


Read more:


With teams named after birds of prey – Falcons, Kestrels, Ospreys, Eagles and Hawks – it’s time to spread their wings once more.

As lockdown lifts further, many more will be flocking back to their Ripon Grammar School base.


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