Fireflies' charity netball event at Withdean

Local netball players, volunteers and community supporters came together at Withdean Sports Complex back in September 2026 for the Fireflies Charity Netball Event, raising £672 to support the development of more inclusive opportunities within the sport.

Organised by Fireflies Netball in partnership with Freedom Leisure, the event highlighted the positive impact that community sport can have in creating accessible opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities. Through a day of friendly competition, fundraising and community engagement, the event showcased a shared commitment to making netball more inclusive across Brighton & Hove.

The event was designed to help create alternative routes into netball for people from home education settings, alternative education programmes, para netball initiatives and SEN communities. Supporting inclusive participation is a key priority for Freedom Leisure, and the organisation was proud to work alongside Fireflies Netball to help break down barriers to sport and physical activity.

A total of 10 teams and 86 participants took part in the tournament, supported by six dedicated volunteers, including referees and event leads who helped ensure the day ran smoothly. The strong turnout reflected the growing demand for inclusive sporting opportunities within the local community.

Funds were raised through team entry fees, a bake sale and a raffle, with all proceeds helping Fireflies Netball continue its work developing opportunities for people who may face barriers to traditional participation pathways.

As a not-for-profit leisure trust committed to improving health, wellbeing and community engagement, Freedom Leisure played a significant role in supporting the event through sponsorship, practical assistance and promotional support. The organisation helped maximise the fundraising impact of the day while ensuring participants enjoyed a welcoming and accessible experience.

Support from Freedom Leisure included raffle prizes, discounted court hire, reduced-price refreshments for participants, free parking for volunteers, marketing support and event-day assistance. Colleagues from the team also worked closely with event organisers to help coordinate logistics and promote the tournament across local communities.

Beyond fundraising, the event helped raise awareness of alternative participation pathways within netball and strengthened relationships between local sports organisations, participants and community partners. It also demonstrated how partnerships between grassroots sports groups and leisure providers can create lasting positive impact within local communities.

 Harry Urwin, Healthy Communities Manager from Freedom Leisure said: "At Freedom Leisure, we're passionate about creating opportunities for everyone to take part in sport and physical activity, regardless of their background or circumstances. We were delighted to support Fireflies Netball and help deliver such a successful event. The day demonstrated the power of community partnerships and the important role sport can play in bringing people together, improving wellbeing and creating inclusive opportunities for all."

The success of the event has established a strong foundation for future collaboration between Fireflies Netball and Freedom Leisure, with both organisations committed to supporting the growth of inclusive and accessible netball opportunities across Brighton & Hove.

For more information about Fireflies Netball and upcoming activities, please contact the organisation directly via email: [email protected]