Basketball originated in the late 19th century and became one of the world’s most popular sports. Netball followed shortly after in 1895.

These pictures from the 1970s show Hampshire residents as eager as anyone to get a piece of the action.

Netball 1977. Front: Sue Willard, Gwyn Foster, Gill Smith, Chris Grimes. Sue Sheraton, Marilyn Flook, Lucia Pryde, Carol Brennan, Sue Grey and Sue Perkins..

Netball 1977. Front: Sue Willard, Gwyn Foster, Gill Smith, Chris Grimes. Sue Sheraton, Marilyn Flook, Lucia Pryde, Carol Brennan, Sue Grey and Sue Perkins

On February 21 1977, the pupils at Brookfield school became Southern Counties champions when representing Hampshire in the national school’s tournament in Bournemouth. They went on to compete in the national finals.

One of the images on these pages depicts Shirley Middle School after they won the Southampton Schools netball double. After winning the Central League, they entered the Southampton Middle School tournament and won all nine games.

Netball - 1977. Wildern School, Hedge End. Back: Isobel Jones, Carol Hopkins, Helen Wilkinson, Julie Brightman, Sharon Rowley, Tracey Souch, Sarah Bartlett, Elizabeth Stokes. Front: Jackie Bauck, Claire Freemantle, Sharon Mason, Beth Griggs, Karen Rolf,

Netball - 1977. Wildern School, Hedge End. Back: Isobel Jones, Carol Hopkins, Helen Wilkinson, Julie Brightman, Sharon Rowley, Tracey Souch, Sarah Bartlett, Elizabeth Stokes. Front: Jackie Bauck, Claire Freemantle, Sharon Mason, Beth Griggs, Karen Rolf.

Another picture shows Weston Park team pictured after winning the Southampton Netball Association’s 13th annual Alderman Hammond Memorial Tournament at Millbrook School.

If you have any old netball pictures or stories you’d like to share, email ian.crump@dailyecho.co.uk - we’d love to see them!