Netballers are trying to break the taboo surrounding eating disorders and have taken to the court to raise funds for a charity giving support.

Sheffield Hallam’s Women’s Netball Team brought attention to the work of South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association (SYEDA) through a charity tournament played on 8 March.

Player and charity secretary Clare Gallogly, 21, said: “As a club, if we can talk freely about it between us girls it becomes less of a taboo topic.

“Eating disorders are quite prevalent in females of our age at University.”

A total of £102 was raised for SYEDA through the event.

The tournament was played following National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (24 February to 2 March) with this year’s theme being The Time is Now.

Player Megan Handley, 20, said: “It’s something that I’ve struggled with personally. I think it’s so important that people feel comfortable enough to talk about it and don’t have to suffer in silence.”

Many Hallam sports clubs, such as Men’s and Women’s basketball, American Football and the Men’s Rugby Union, joined the Women’s Netball Team at a university netball court to take part in the tournament.

SYEDA provides support and education towards eating disorders in the Sheffield region.

The independent charity, formed in 1996, said: “Men, women, young and old, all access our services. You don’t have to look a particular way to get support from us.”

Ms Gallogly said: “It was so rewarding seeing the charity that we chose appreciated by other people and it really did get people talking.”

Hallam’s Women’s Netball raised awareness for Breast Cancer in October and ‘Movember’ in November, as well as participating in charity walks, pub quizzes and making Christmas boxes for the homeless.

The team are currently fundraising for a mental health charity called Sheffield Flourish.