Netball is a popular women’s sport in Australia, with lots of supportive communities and ways to play at different ages and skill levels.
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played netball before or you’re returning to the sport after a break. There’s a way for all shapes, abilities and interest levels to have a go and enjoy a game that’s loved by so many. Join a women’s netball club, play social netball for fun, or shoot some goals with a friend or by yourself. The choice is yours!
On this page we look at:
- How This Girl Can – Victoria Ambassador Kelly found time to ‘recharge her batteries’ at netball to set a good example for her kids
- Playing casual games through Rock Up Netball
- What clubs and competitions are available?
- Netball’s programs catering to different abilities and backgrounds
- How This Girl Can – Victoria Ambassador Sally overcame self-doubt and started playing in her fifties
- Finding a women’s netball club or social game near you
- Can’t get out right now? At-home tips
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How Kelly found time to ‘recharge her batteries’ at netball to set a good example for her kids
Kelly says playing netball is “like charging your batteries”, and afterwards she feels like she can do anything. As a mum, it was important to Kelly to set an example: “I think it’s important even to my kids to set an example that you still need to do something for yourself”… “After you have kids, things change. Your body changes and your family becomes the priority. But as I get older, I have realised the importance of self-love.”
Pay as you play with Rock Up Netball, with fun social games happening all around Victoria
Don’t want to commit to a whole season of sport? Rock Up Netball, developed by Netball Victoria, is a ‘pay as you play’ option for those of us who can’t commit to regular games. Rock Up Netball is great for women and girls of all skill levels and is all about having fun! It’s casual, a great way to try all of the netball positions and learn the netball ropes or return after a break.
What clubs and competitions are available?
With so many programs and pathways on offer, the hardest part of giving netball a go is choosing from the options you can try. Even if you’re starting to play netball as a beginner for the first time.
Here’s how to find netball teams in Melbourne and regional areas to join, or find a social netball competition near you.
Firstly, Netball Victoria provides lots of information and is a great first step to play netball in Melbourne or regional Victoria, regardless of your age, background, or skill level.
With so many social netball competitions around the state, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Each competition is different, but you can usually join an existing team or even start your own. The best way to find a place to play social netball near you is to search online and contact the relevant facility or association looking after the competition for more details. They’re very friendly, and love helping new players.
Netball is a game for women of all backgrounds, ages, cultures and abilities
Netball is an inclusive sport that has programs catering to different abilities and backgrounds. The sport has a focus on being inclusive, and there are welcoming communities everywhere that will help you to feel comfortable and have fun playing the game (even if it’s your first time).
Netball Victoria runs specialised clinics for Victorians with disability. They focus on building knowledge and skills for netball in an inclusive and supportive environment.
There are also initiatives to increase participation and inclusion for Aboriginal Victorians, women from other cultures and LGBTI+ communities.
Whoever you are, there’s a netball group and a position on the court with your name on it!
How Sally ignored those who told her she was “too old” and got back into netball in her 50s
Sally has always loved netball and she played regularly until she had kids. At 54, she plays despite being told she’s “too old”. Before her first session back, she doubted herself so much she changed in and out of her exercise gear twice before finally stepping onto the court! Now Sally aims to keep playing netball the rest of her life.
Finding a women’s netball club or social game near you
- Visit the websites mentioned on this page: Netball Victoria, Rock Up Netball, specialised clinics (for Victorians who live with a disability), netball for Aboriginal Victorians or netball for LGBTI+ communities.
- Google it! Search to see what other netball options there are near you.
- Find a Supporter in your neighbourhood: see if there’s a netball club near you that has registered online to support This Girl Can – Victoria.
- Ask other women – chat to your friends, family or colleagues about doing an activity together, or post a question to our Facebook page where there’s a super supportive community of women who can help you out.
Can’t get out right now?
Sometimes you aren’t able to get out to hit up the courts or join a women’s netball club or community. But that’s ok, there’s plenty to keep you busy if you’re at home.
If you have a netball, you have a workout! You can always throw a netball around by yourself, with a friend, or with the kids inside or in your backyard if you have one. Get creative – all that matters is you’re getting some movement in your day so you feel good.
Learn more about This Girl Can – Victoria and how it’s helping women feel good by getting activity in a way that suits them.