The number of students playing netball at secondary school level is on the rise in the Mainland Netball Zone. 

School Sport New Zealand’s annual participation data, shows netball is not just the most popular sport at secondary schools – it’s also the largest female participation sport, with more than 25,000 girls playing! Football follows in second place with around 15,000 players, while volleyball rounds out the top three with just under 7,000. 

In a space where membership often drops, netball continues to grow. In fact, there were 350 more players in 2024 compared to 2023. This growth reflects the strength and relevance of netball, which has remained a dominant force for over 100 years. 

Netball isn’t just about playing – it’s about teamwork. It’s the ultimate team sport where players rely on one another in every position to achieve success. Plus, netball is a multi-generational sport, with grandmas, mums, and daughters all sharing a deep connection to the game. This long-lasting bond is one of the reasons netball remains the most popular sport at the secondary school level. 

Netball's ongoing success comes down to several key factors: vision, leadership, adaptability, and evolution. It’s also an accessible sport with relatively low costs compared to other sports, making it easy for anyone to get involved. Netball courts are found in nearly every community – whether it’s at schools, netball centres, or council facilities. All you need is a ball and a bib! 

Across the Mainland Netball Zone, local centres have been leading the charge in growing the sport through fun and engaging initiatives. Several centres offer player development programmes designed to help Year 7 and 8 students, as well as Year 9 to 13 students, build their skills and improve their game. These programmes have been a hit with rangatahi and are open to anyone who wants to give netball a try. 

Some centres have also introduced fun activities like walking netball and holiday programmes, ensuring players continue to enjoy the game while developing their skills. 

Netball’s growth is a testament to its power to connect, inspire, and endure. It’s more than just a game – it’s a sport built on community! 

Article added: Friday 28 March 2025