CIRENCESTER Netball Club hosted three workshops run by Stacey Francis, England Netball and Team Bath defender, at Prior Park School in Cricklade at the weekend.

More than 60 players from Cirencester Netball and other clubs in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire were privileged to attend.

Stacey put the players through a challenging range of drills and skills.

The senior workshop covered both basic and advanced defending and ball handling with a session on speed and agility which saw Stacey demonstrating her elite fitness.

The juniors enjoyed a range of drills to improve their defending, teamwork and communications.

Questions at the end of the sessions revealed the intensive training schedule Stacey requires to maintain her physical and performance levels. The players also heard about her journey in the sport since the age of 14, her netball travels and her experience at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Julie Barclay, chair of Cirencester Netball Club, said: "It was an exceptionally successful weekend and it was great to see netball players from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire come together.

"Stacey really put them through their paces and I’ve heard there were a few stiff legs and shoulders the day after the workshops.

"Stacey’s commitment to maintaining her place at the top of her sport came through loud and clear and she inspired everyone to play at their best this coming season.

"We plan to ask her back later in the season if her England and Team Bath commitments will allow."