Did you play netball in Ipswich or around Suffolk during the 1970s and 80s?

Sudbury Mercury: Were you in this Ipswich netball team in 1983?Were you in this Ipswich netball team in 1983? (Image: Archant)

Or were you one of the parents and supporters cheering from the sidelines?

Sudbury Mercury: A netball team at Babergh Inter Village Sports Day in Sudbury in May 1985A netball team at Babergh Inter Village Sports Day in Sudbury in May 1985 (Image: Archant)

If either applies, you might spot a few familiar faces in today's Days Gone By gallery.

Sudbury Mercury: Lloyds Banks netball team in Ipswich in March 1980Lloyds Banks netball team in Ipswich in March 1980 (Image: Archant)

For many girls, netball lessons were a highpoint of their schooldays - but others will remember being the last one to be chosen for teams, and struggling to get a touch of the ball.

Sudbury Mercury: Westbourne High School netball team in March 1980Westbourne High School netball team in March 1980 (Image: Archant)

Netball started out as an adaptation of basketball, and was first played in the UK in 1895.

It became an increasingly popular women's sport from the early 20th century onwards, and it has been estimated that more than 280,000 people took part in netball in the UK during 2020.

Sudbury Mercury: Copleston Road School, Ipswich, netball team in October 1986Copleston Road School, Ipswich, netball team in October 1986 (Image: Archant)

The game was recognised by the International Olympic Committee in 1995, but hasn't actually been included in the Olympic Games as yet.

Sudbury Mercury: Netball practice at Tower Ramparts School, Ipswich, in March 1977Netball practice at Tower Ramparts School, Ipswich, in March 1977 (Image: Archant)

Sudbury Mercury: Copleston Road School, Ipswich, netball team in October 1986Copleston Road School, Ipswich, netball team in October 1986 (Image: Archant)

If these photos bring back memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

To order photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.