The 2020 Hampden league season was cancelled due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic which has seen players across the region not hit the court for more than 12 months.

It's why Taylor has put the focus on slowly returning to training at the end of 2020 and the beginning of the club's preparations for the 2021 season.

"It's about getting everyone ready and trying to welcome them back and get them involved again after having that time off," she said.

"It's very easy for people to say 'well maybe I won't play and I'll keep having that Saturday free' so it's trying to get them excited and involved again.

"So far the response has been really good with a lot of senior players and we had our junior girls train until we have just started our trials."

Taylor said the players' response to training had been positive.

"In our core group, and we have quite a range in ages from our youngest of 16 to our oldest of 40, everyone seems positive and there seems to be a good vibe.," she said.

The preparation has extended beyond the netball court with the club combining its football and netball programs for training sessions during the summer.

There has been one joint strength and conditioning session completed so far and the club is planning more in the future.

In the first session senior coach Winis Imbi organised a strength and conditioning coach to come to training and the netball group brought a local Pilates instructor.

"That is something we haven't done for a fair few years but we want to be able to do just to unify the groups," Taylor said.

"Winis has been so incredibly supportive with trying to collaborate and bring everyone together because it's very easy to have separate football and netball so the main thing is really getting everyone back together."

The first-year mentor said a return to training, and soon playing, had benefits for the whole playing group.

"Some people were bored over that time last year so being able to have an environment that is welcoming for them to get to after having last year off has been really important," she said.

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"I had a baby last year and not being able to go to netball was pretty boring for me.

"Not being able to see people has been good in that way by getting out, getting involved with the girls again whether that is a bit of banter and a laugh that is what we are looking for.

"It is quite serious as well at times but getting everyone together has been important. It has been hard work but there has been a bit of fun involved as well.

"You need them to be involved for them to enjoy it and if they're anxious going to training that's exactly what we don't want. We want them to come and get involved again."

The Seagulls are currently training once a week.

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