A NETBALL star has returned to her roots to encourage females of all ages across Bury to try the game.

Former England ace Tracey Neville joined women in her home town to take part in the newest ‘I Will If You Will’ (IWIYW) activity – Get Back to Netball sessions.

Tracey, who is coach of Superleague champions Manchester Thunder, is an ambassador for the £2.38 million Sport England pilot to changing female sporting habits.

The weekly classes aim to provide an introduction to the game, with basic drills, footwork and game play for netball newcomers and those returning to the sport after a break.

As well as taking to the court, Tracey was on hand to offer professional coaching assisted by members of the Bury Ladies Netball League.

Tracey said: “Whether it is about rediscovering sporting abilities you forgot you had or simply getting active again, netball is a great way to get your heart rate up and improve all-round fitness.

“With Back to Netball and walking netball, a lower intensity session, there is something for all abilities. Let’s give netball a shot!”

She was also joined by newly-appointed IWIYW champion Deborah Bancroft, who was selected after a search to find residents to be ambassadors for the project.

She said: “I am so proud to have been chosen as an I Will If You Will champion and can’t wait to start spreading the word and helping more women in Bury get moving.”

The movement runs activities throughout the borough’s six towns and over the next few months Tracey will make more appearances alongside fellow celebrity ambassadors Jennie McAlpine and Nikki Sanderson.

For more information: go to iwillifyouwill.co.uk