What's it all about?
Netball is currently played by over 55,000 registered participants in England in nearly 3,700 affiliated clubs and by approximately 1 million children in schools.
Netball is played on a hard court divided into three parts by lines indicating boundaries for players. A shooting area and scoring rings are designated at each end of the court. The aim of the game is to score as many goals as possible. Netball is a fast, skilful game that requires players to have speed, strategy, agility and endurance. It is a strategic game that relies heavily on teamwork, but individuals also play in highly specialised positions.
Netball can offer the rewards of sociability, co-operation, fitness and fun to almost anyone who wants to take part.
In 1995 Netball became a 'recognised' Olympic Sport and will hopefully receive programme status in the future.
In 1998 Netball was included in the Commonwealth Games programme for the first time.
Taking part
Netball is an exciting sport and a fun recreation activity offering, something for everyone - whether it is playing in the your local league or your work team; at elite and International level; or at all levels in between.
Netball is played in most schools around the county, in both secondary and primary. In years 5 & 6 a modified version of netball is played called High 5, which is played by both boys and girls. The traditional 7-a side game is played in most secondary schools, many of which have after school clubs.
There are 221 registered netball clubs in Kent, covering a diverse range of ages and abilities, from 'social netball' to Premier League standard. These clubs take part in the 10 affiliated local leagues across the county.
The next level of competition from the local leagues is the Kent County League. Here clubs compete for a chance to be promoted to the London & South East Regional League, a competition for teams from Kent, Surrey, Middlesex and Essex Met. The County and Regional Leagues also run junior sections for players U16. From Regional level, clubs can progress to the national Premier Divisions, the highest level of achievement for clubs within the domestic game.
Beyond the Premier League is The Co-operative Netball Superleague is made up of 9 franchises in England, Scotland and Wales. National squad players, as well as many International players, compete on a weekly basis. Shown weekly on Sky Television the league is the pinnacle of Netball within England. Superleague franchises also run junior squads for elite players aged 14-19.
Get Involved
To find your local club please follow this link to the Kent Netball Website
County: County Netball Association
Regional: www.londonandsoutheastnetball.co.uk
National: www.englandnetball.co.uk
International: www.netball.org
Netball
Rules (Word)
Player
Pathway (pdf)
High
Five Rules (Word)
Structure of the sport
England Netball is the National Governing Body and is responsible for the management and development of the sport. The Head Office is located in Hitchin, Hertfordshire with Regional Units based across the country
The country is divided into 9 geographical regions and each region sub-divided into counties. These regions and counties are autonomous but operate within the bounds of the Constitution and By-Laws of England Netball.
Kent is part of the EN London & South East Region. Kent Netball is the county association in Kent and is responsible for schools tournaments, talent development, coach & umpire education, and county leagues. Kent Netball works closely with the London & South East Regional team, and England Netball, to provide support to its members, clubs and leagues.
Main Contact
Natalie Beckett - Kent Netball Development Officer - 01622 605 057 - Natalie.beckett@kent.gov.uk
