Netball Victoria will deliver a new standalone junior competition in Ballarat.
While Netball Victoria has long held strong aspirations for growing the game in the Ballarat region, the decision to commence a junior competition in April has been brought forward to provide a Sunday participation option for junior players from the Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club.
The new Sunday junior netball competition will commence on 26 April 2026 (Term 2) at Selkirk Stadium, 989 Norman Street, Wendouree.
The competition will feature Woolworths NetSetGo and junior grades through to 17&Under.
It provides more options for people to play netball in the region whilst attracting new players to the game. Expression of interest is now open for players, teams and clubs wanting to compete in the new Sunday competition.
Importantly, this initiative is designed to complement existing associations and league programs and strengthen the broader netball landscape in the region, filling an immediate gap, supporting the Woady Yaloak players and working collaboratively with local stakeholders to grow the game.
Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman said:
“Our role is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where every child in Ballarat can belong, compete and thrive. By offering flexible competition opportunities, including Sunday competitions and the ability for players to participate in multiple netball competitions, we are strengthening the future of netball in the region.”
“We are working alongside our existing netball clubs, associations and leagues to secure a sustainable and thriving future for the sport, with a clear focus on expanding opportunities in the future across mixed, social, and pathways for men and boys to complement what else is occurring in the region.”
Netball Coordinator of Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club Bobby Norris said:
“We are thrilled a solution has been created for all our junior netballers and encourage others to register their interest over the coming days, with our community and their desire to play sport at the heart of our concern.”
Chief Executive Officer of Basketball Ballarat Travis Merlo, welcomed the partnership:
“Basketball Ballarat is thrilled to partner with Netball Victoria to create a new junior netball competition, giving local players the opportunity to continue doing what they love. As a parent, I understand firsthand how hard it can be to find netball teams for our kids, so being able to help provide a pathway for young players to stay active and connected through sport in Ballarat is something we’re really proud to support.”
Further information and expression of interest can be found here - Ballarat Sunday Junior Netball Competition - Netball VIC
