LET'S be honest — this isn't the first time I've picked up a netball.

Unlike the previous exercises I've tried for this column, there's nothing particularly niche about a sport most of the female population have played at some point in their life, either out of choice or in school games lessons.

But at the same time, netball for me ended when it no longer became compulsory at school, so this was my first encounter with the sport since I was 15.

Venus Netball Club was set up two years ago by coaches Stephanie Muir and Shareen Geers and currently has an A and B team which play in a number of leagues throughout the year.

When I arrived I wasn't sure what to expect.

All my images of netball were of skinny teenage girls, so I was pleasantly surprised to find such a mix of ages in the club. And despite the competitive nature of team sports, everyone was immediately very welcoming.

Following a short warm- up, we got stuck straight into a game, with revolving substitutes so everyone got a go. I played shooter and even managed to score a few points after some tips from the other players.

The game is officially non-contact, but it is still very competitive and quite physical, which resulted in me falling over — although it was my pride that was hurt rather than anything else.

As well as being a bit of fun netball also burns calories, helps build upper body strength by working your arms, and increases leg muscle strength due to bending to get the ball and short bursts of sprinting.

And, unlike other classes, with a team sport like netball you can enjoy the social aspect as well as the health benefits.

Venus Netball Club train at Llanelli Leisure Centre very Wednesday between 6pm and 7pm. To find out more contact Shareen Geers on 07794 517137.