Tate Liverpool plays host to England Netball Royalty for live podcast panel

BBC Sport chose the Royal Albert Dock venue to showcase its brand new Netballers Podcast with sporting royalty joining the panel.

As the Vitality Netball World Cup nears its semi final stages, BBC Sport hosted an exclusive podcast panel event at Tate Liverpool on Tuesday 16th July.

As part of the BBC’s Change the Game season, which celebrates the wealth of women’s sport taking place this summer, BBC Radio 5 Live’s Netballers Podcast held a live panel discussion featuring netballing royalty. Host Betty Glover welcomed England players Sasha and Kadeen Corbin, former England Roses captain, Ama Agbeze and reality star and personal trainer, Gabby Allen to Tate Liverpool to discuss all things netball.

Also in attendance and joining in the conversation was Director of Sport Barbara Slater. Barbara gave an inspiring opening welcome and details the BBC’s commitment to showcasing women’s sport. BBC Netball World Cup host Hazel Irvine also joined the conversation and spoke about the noticeable changes in women working in sports journalism, since her experiences at the Netball World Cup back in 1995.

With all eyes and hopes on England’s Roses  ahead of the semi-finals, Sasha, Kadeen and Ama all praised Liverpool and its people for the fantastic, warm welcome they had received. Highlighting the atmosphere around the city and the standing room only official Fan Park at Liverpool ONE, the netballing buzz has far surpassed their expectations.

Netballers podcast has proved hugely popular since it’s first broadcast in June. Hosted by Betty and featuring Sasha and Kadeen, the 45 minute (approx.) long podcast gives fans a real insight into life on and off the court. Find out what you shouldn’t say to a netballer, as the girls vent their netball rage and of course, discuss England’s chances of winning the tournament.

On the evening, talk turned to the Netball World Cup legacy as each panel member and a number of guests voiced their opinions on netball being more accessible to all.

Netball England is keen to get as many youngsters practising their shooting and having a go at donning a bib and trying netball for the first time at the Fan Park and M&S Bank Arena. Ambassadors are also giving out information about local sessions for all, whether you’re picking up a ball for the first time or thinking about getting back on to the court.

More: Here’s everything you need to know about the Netball World Cup Fan Park

One thing was universally agreed and that is a wider focus on women’s sport, on both professional and social levels. With a brand new England chant taking off across the arena and more kids pulling on bibs to give netball a go, the Netball World Cup has already payed a huge part in inspiring more people to get in to sport.

To find out more about Netballers Podcast head this way. The Netball World Cup action continues at the M&S Bank Arena. For tickets and info head to www.mandsbankarena.co.uk. 

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