The Victorian Netball League (VNL), Victoria’s premier netball competition, is set to undergo exciting adjustments aimed at further strengthening the competition and expanding its regional presence from
next year.
Netball Victoria announced the new structure today ahead of the next five-year licensing period for the competition (2024-2028). Up to 12 licenses will be offered, up from the current 10, including up to three outside of metropolitan Melbourne in support of regional athletes, coaches and officials.
The new-look VNL will also reduce from three to two divisions, Championship and 23&U, aligning with all other State League competitions in Australia while ensuring high-quality matches overseen by the best umpires and at more favourable game times.
The changes follow an extensive externally-led review including comprehensive engagement with current VNL clubs, regional athletes, coaches and umpires, analysis of competition data and a survey of internal and external VNL stakeholders.
New clubs will have the option of initially entering only a 23&U team while they develop their pool of athletes and club structure. They will be required to field teams in both divisions in the final two years of the licence period, ensuring there is a pathway to the premier competition for all athletes.
While the number of divisions will reduce to ensure strong competition, clubs will be allowed up to two development teams, competing in and bolstering feeder competitions, as part of their club pathway. The minimum age for players will also increase from 15 to 16 years.
“The VNL competition has proven its strength in developing athletes, coaches and technical officials throughout Victoria for many years, and we’re excited for what the new structure will bring,” said General Manager Vixens, Performance & Pathways Megan Simpson.
“It’s important too that new clubs are given the opportunity to develop their underage athletes, especially in our regional areas, before committing to both grades. We think allowing new clubs to field an underage team initially is the ideal entry pathway as we look to build on the success of our competition and foster the game across metropolitan and regional Victoria.”
“These changes will make the competition even stronger by focusing our resources and talent around two elite divisions, making games more competitive and providing increased opportunities for teams and players from regional Victoria to compete at the highest level,” said Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman.
“While our premier netball competition currently has a significant number of regional athletes involved, the opportunity for additional regional licences is exciting and will make the competition more accessible for talented regional athletes and coaches.”
Netball Victoria will open licence applications in March, with applications closing in May and licensees announced in July 2023. All current teams must also re-apply for a license for 2024-28.
Further information will be made available online in March, with consultation with Netball Victoria from interested parties available at this time.
