ENGLAND netball star Jodie Gibson will be visiting York City Netball Club next week to coach aspiring players, members and non-members alike.

The 25-year-old defender was encouraged to the Minster city by 15-year-old club committee member Tyler-Sue Chapman who contacted her via social media.

Gibson was an integral part of the England squad who became the first team other than Australia and New Zealand to win netball gold at the Commonwealth Games when they stunned the Aussies 52-51 at this year's final with the last throw of the game.

The April victory has proved a boon for York City Netball Club, who have enjoyed an increase in attendance and can now boast more than 100 netballers ranging from school Year 3 to over-60s.

Gibson will lead the club's training session on Tuesday at Manor School where she will coach the juniors 6pm to 7pm and the senior squads from 7pm to 8pm. Photo opportunities with Gibson and her gold medal will be available for both age groups.

Youngster Chapman has previously involved herself in the world of netball when she campaigned to prevent the Yorkshire Jets - whose home games she regularly attended - from winding up, albeit without success.

Chapman's mother, Kathleen, said: "She wasn't interested in sport at all at primary school - she used to cringe at the thought of it - but she got to secondary school and had really supportive PE teachers who took her to a Yorkshire Jets game.

"From that day on, she was hooked.

"This event is massive for York and the fact Jodie is coming to inspire the juniors is really exciting for them - although the seniors are also really excited.

"Netball doesn't have the publicity other sports have, but hopefully this event will help that."

York City have senior teams in divisions one to five of the York & District Netball League, two teams in a social league on Monday evenings and a squad in the North Yorkshire Netball Ambassador League, of which they were champions in 2015.

They welcome all prospective players. For non-members, there will be a fee of £10. For more information, email yorkcitynetballclub 2018@gmail.com