Netball club receives funding boost from housing provider

A housing provider has awarded a £1,000 grant to a women’s netball team in Melksham, helping keep subscription fees affordable.

GreenSquare Accord (GSA) awarded the grant to St Barnabas Ladies’ Netball Club, which trains at Melksham Oak Community School.

The club was created to give women an inclusive and casual environment to enjoy exercise without the pressure of competitive league play.

The donation will fund weekly coached sessions throughout 2026, helping keep subscription fees affordable for local women, including GSA customers who benefit from discounted rates.

Marie Matthews, secretary of St Barnabas Ladies’ Netball Club, said, “This funding means so much to us. We’re passionate about creating a space where women can enjoy netball without pressure and this grant allows us to keep our sessions affordable and accessible. It helps us welcome even more women back into a sport they love, while building friendships, confidence, and a real sense of community.”

The group offers a gentle re-entry into sport for women over 18. The aim is to improve both physical and mental wellbeing, helping more women reconnect with exercise, build confidence and make new friends.

The grant award followed a successful application to GSA’s Community Impact Fund, which supports and strengthens local communities. The fund offers grants of up to £2,000 per year to resident groups, charities and grassroots projects.

Sian Every, Community Investment and Social Value Lead at GSA, said, “We’re proud to support a project that promotes health, wellbeing and community connection. St Barnabas Ladies’ Netball Club is creating a space where women can enjoy sport on their own terms, and we’re delighted to help them continue offering such a valuable local resource.”

GSA own and manage more than 8,000 homes across Wiltshire and have supported a range of projects in the county. To find out more, visit https://greensquareaccord.co.uk/communities/community-impact-fund