Inspirational Islanders: Ella Haydon and Jessica Longson – Netballers

Wightlink is a big part of life on the Isle of Wight. We regularly give back to the communities that we operate in, to leave a legacy for future generations. In our Inspirational Islanders blog series, we interview inspiring people from on the Isle of Wight to find out about their lives and what they love about the Island. From photographers to netball players, each one shares their favourite places to give you insider knowledge on where to find the best coffee, walks, sunsets, wildlife and much more.

Teammates Ella and Jessica both play netball on the Isle of Wight for Shorwell as well as for Dreams Netball Club in Southampton and for Hampshire at a county level. Jessica, who has been playing since the age of 7, plays Centre and Ella who is in her second year, plays Goal Attack.

“Ella: I love living on the Island as I can play netball here at Shorwell Netball Club and can row on the river Medina and on the sea at Shanklin for SSRC (Shanklin and Sandown Rowing Club).

Jessica: I love living here because there are lots of sporting opportunities available to me.

Ella: My favourite beach is Freshwater Bay. I love paddle boarding past the caves there.

Jessica: Mine is the Duver near St Helens because it’s good for swimming and paddle boarding.

Ella: I like walking along Tennyson Down because I like seeing The Needles at the end of the walk.
Jessica: I love to walk up on Culver Down with our dogs. It’s also a great place to see the boats go by.

Ella: Sponsorship from Wightlink means I can get over to play netball three times a week at the U13 Hampshire Netball Academy and Dreams, my Southampton Netball Club. I will be able to attend different netball tournaments and rowing competitions too. It also allows me to use the gym at Medina – I want to improve my strength and conditioning which will really help improve my fitness!

Jessica: The same! The sponsorship gives me the ability to easily get around the South coast to access netball tournaments, matches and training.”

🛈 Wightlink in the Community is proud to support the Isle of Wight Council’s Talented Athlete scheme. To find out more visit our Sponsorship page or stay updated on social media on Facebook and Instagram.