The Original Crosskeys Senior Squads

Early Days

Crosskeys Netball Club was formed in 1980 by a group of friends who happened to enjoy netball. In the years since its formation the club has enjoyed a great deal of success locally, county and nationally, and continues to thrive.

During its infancy there was just one team that played in the Harlow Netball League. After two seasons it was decided to venture further a field and an application was made to join the Essex Met League. Every subsequent season saw the team climb until they were playing in the dizzy heights of Division 2. By now the club membership had grown and two teams took to the courts every Tuesday at Harlow Sports Centre. Over the next five years or more Crosskeys 1 became an unstoppable force and repeatedly topped the League Division 1. Four of the club members in the photo are present in the club today --- three of them still playing!

Association with East Essex County Teams

During this time several new young players joined and I became East Essex County Schools Girls Coach. I was proud to be coaching talented players at my club and even more so to be coaching at another level for my county. Many of our more mature senior club players began their playing days at East Essex and progressed to gain Regional and International honours.

Joining up with Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue: Early days

Approximately seven years ago, for very valid reasons, club membership dipped dramatically. The amalgamation of the Crosskeys players with Pat Longville and her players from the Fifth Avenue club was implemented in an attempt to rescue both clubs from extinction. This proved to be an extremely successful move.

A further development, and progressive step forward, was the enrolment of Barbara Milne who was integrated into our coaching staff. With Barbara’s knowledge, enthusiasm and experience she quickly introduced some very experienced youth/senior players and raised the number of junior players from 9 to around 90.

Crosskeys Netball Club is as successful today as it was 20 years ago and, with the right coaching, leadership, enthusiasm and administrative officers our membership continues to flourish. Our success at both junior/youth and senior levels will progress to new levels and the club name will be carried forward for at least another 20 years.

Our club colours are :- Skirts – purple Shirts – white with purple piping and club emblem Socks – white with purple piping Tracksuit – purple / white

More of our history in pictures and comment can be seen in our photo album when it opens.

MH Feb 08