Not many people can say they’re ‘World Record Holders.’ However, 50 members of a Leicestershire netball team earned that right earlier this year, when they completed an epic 24-hour shooting marathon…
The ladies from Ashby Netball Club, smashed the official Guinness World Record for the most goals scored in 24 hours – an eye-watering 28,745 in total.
As if that wasn’t impressive enough, the team managed to raise a cool £21,000 for charity, as a result of their efforts.
The idea for the challenge came from Carla Garey – the club’s development officer who wanted to raise its profile, and attract more women to the sport she loves. It worked. After breaking the record, Ashby Netball Club were recognised with national media coverage, putting them well and truly on the map.
Not only that, but dozens of women have gone on to join the club after hearing about them and their spectacular achievement.
“I’m super proud of the team- what we did that day and how we all came together to achieve what we did is something I’ll never forget,” said Carla, who’s played for the club since 2012.
“It was my idea, but I needed everyone to buy into it and they didn’t let me down.
“The team threw themselves in to it wholeheartedly, and I was amazed by the level of commitment and camaraderie. ”
“We beat the record quite comfortably, and that was the plan,” she added.
“We wanted to make it difficult to beat so hopefully it stands the test of time and is around for a long time to come!”
Despite doubling the previous record however, which was set by Lancaster’s Capernwray Netball Club back in 2018, it was no easy feat. Months of training went into ensuring that the team were up to the challenge.
“It wasn’t just a case of rocking up on the day and throwing balls at a hoop until you scored. There was a lot more to it than that,” explained Carla.
“You need a lot of skill and there are certain rules you have to follow in order to qualify for a world record. For example, you can’t replay the ball and you can’t do footwork. Also, you could only have one person shooting at any one time and you could only use one type of ball…
“We had a rota system which was quite complicated and the whole thing had to be filmed,” she went on to reveal.
“We also had to have a panel of independent witnesses. There were so many things which had to be put in place – so much to consider, plan and organise but it was definitely worth it in the end! Not many people get to say they’re world record holders!”
The challenge was inspired by Carla’s two-year-old daughter Evelyn, who was born with a life-threatening health condition.
All funds raised as a result of the challenge were donated to ‘Kids Village,’ a charity which helps children with critical illnesses and their families by giving them crucial respite from the trauma of being in hospitals.
Visit: www.ashbysport.com/netball-club for more information.
