This month I am proud to introduce Liv Bainbridge who is not only a member of RNC but also of the Surrey County Team. Liv has gained a phenomenal amount of sporting achievements, and is a great inspiration to us all. So please read our February blog to find out how she has achieved so much.
How long have you been with RNC?
I joined almost 4.5 years ago – I was just about to turn 9.
What is your favourite part of the club?
I really enjoy the Croydon League Tournaments at Shirley High; they’re really fun.
What made you join RNC?
I had been playing at Girls Attack and was looking for a club when Miss (Charlotte) White, my teacher at school recommended the club. I came for a trial and joined that evening!
How did you get into Netball?
I started at Girls Attack when I was 6 as I knew we would be playing at school. I really enjoyed it and still do.
Give us some background on your netball life so far?
It started at Girls Attack when I was 6, began matches at school in Year 3 and joined Roundwood in Year 4. Won player of the Year every year at Prep School and played in the Year 6 team when I was in Year 5. Was made Netball Captain at school in Year 6 and won Netball trophy for Caterham Prep; along with bronze medal at IAPs Plate Competition. Given a sports scholarships at senior school and made netball Captain at Woldingham in Year 7. Selected for Surreys in Year 7 in U13 squad and led school team to County Finals for 1st time. Retained County Position in Year 8 and won Player’s Player in Year 7; along with captaining team to Team of the Year award across whole school and all sports at Woldingham. Played out of age in all Croydon League Tournaments since joining Roundwood; currently training with Development. Participated in Selsdon Little League for 2 years; coming 2nd in 1st Year (Year 5) and winning League in 2nd year, being top scorer in league and also winning Player of Season for my team.
How did you find RNC?
As mentioned, Charlotte White scouted me when she was my teacher and I love the club!
What do you do beyond netball?
I play hockey and tennis for the school A teams; along with swimming and athletics and I take part in the Sports Scholars programme. I like to surf, ski and read, but I’m also an academic scholar at Woldingham so I do focus on schoolwork. I am a prefect at school and part of the Marden Enterprise Committee which looks after Years 7 and 8. I also play the viola when time allows!
What would you say to encourage others to join any sports club?
Sport is brilliant for physical and mental wellbeing and a great way to spend your time. You can also make really good friends.
What’s your biggest RNC/Netball achievement?
Being selected for Surrey County Netball for 2 years in a row.
Tell us about your journey to Surrey County Team?
I was nominated by Sara in June 2019 and went through 4 weeks of trials at Epsom College and progressed to 2 Sunday trials at Cranleigh and was successful in being selected. I trained every Tuesday for 2 hours at Epsom and Ewell High and attended Sunday competitions against the other Surrey Squads throughout the season. Unfortunately, Covid meant the inter-county matches were called off in March. This year’s selection was VERY different – it was 30 minutes on a Tuesday in Oct half term in Woking, followed by 45 minutes the following Thursday; all outdoors! We were due to start training in January 2021 but again it has been postponed due to Covid restrictions. Hopefully it will start soon at Leatherhead!
How does it feel representing your County?
It’s a great opportunity to develop my netball skills and meet other keen netballers and different coaches. The green and yellow kit isn’t the nicest though!