Copeland Netball League, made up of 11 teams, has played at Whitehaven Sports Centre at Flatt Walks every Tuesday night for over 30 years.

But following the recent £400,000 refurbishment, the league was told on October 14 that it could no longer use the sports hall.

Everyone Active, which took-on the contract for sports facilities in Cumberland in April 2026, told the league that the Whitehaven sports hall no longer meets the size requirements for a standard netball court - and that players can use the hall at Cleator Moor instead.

Women's netball players have complained to Cumberland Council and Everyone Active.

Amy Friend, a player and match official in the women's netball league, said: "Disappointed is a severe understatement.

"A community leisure centre transformation should expand local sports participation, not permanently lock out an active women's league.

"For many years, the Copeland Netball League has relied upon Whitehaven Sports Centre on Tuesday evenings.

"This venue is an incredibly important hub for the many women who play competitive and recreational sports in our community."

Refurbishment of Whitehaven Sports Centre was completed in September following a £400,000 investment across two facilities in Whitehaven and Cockermouth.

Everyone Active said it has worked with the league to find an alternative venue.

Tom Rice, contract manager, said: "While refurbishment works at Whitehaven Sports Centre have been ongoing, we have been liaising with Copeland Netball League to secure a suitable venue going forward.

"We are pleased to say the league will be hosted at Cleator Moor Activity Centre from next month, a facility which offers a modern netball space for players and spectators to enjoy."

The upgrades at Whitehaven Sports Centre include an extended gym, an improved gymnastics area, and a resurfaced sports hall for activities such as badminton and pickleball.

A new Air-X inflatable obstacle course for junior users is also set to open in November.

Despite these improvements, netball players say the loss of their long-standing venue is a major blow to female netball players in west Cumbria.

Mrs Friend told Newsquest Cumbria that Whitehaven Sports Centre "would meet our needs better. Cleator Moor has never been a venue that we’ve used because it is further for the majority of players to travel to.

"Most players have to balance full time work and a large proportion of our players also balance childcare responsibilities.

"Any additional travel time," she said, "makes sport less accessible to women."

Copeland Netball League delayed starting its fixtures until October due to the refurbishment and used facilities at St Bees for the first three weeks, expecting to return to Whitehaven in November.