The future of Mainland Netball is looking incredibly bright, with a strong group of emerging athletes continuing to impress throughout the representative season. 

Our Talent Identification team recently had the opportunity to watch Mainland athletes compete at the U18 National Tournament. Across eight challenging matches, the players and management group represented Mainland with pride, demonstrating outstanding grit, resilience, and determination. Over the four-day tournament, a number of athletes showcased significant growth and exciting potential, reinforcing the strength of the talent coming through our pathway. 

The next and final opportunity for our Talent ID team to observe athletes will be at the South Island Secondary Schools (SISS) Tournament at the end of August and beginning of September. Following this event, 50-60 Year 11 and Year 12 athletes from across the Mainland Zone will be selected and invited to attend the Mainland Development Camp (MDC). 

Mainland Development Camp 

📅 19 September 📍 Christchurch Netball Sports Centre ⏰ 9.45am - 4.00pm 

Athletes attending MDC will experience a full day focused on development and performance. The programme will include fitness testing, educational workshops, specialist skill sessions led by some of the country's leading Zone / National coaches, and competitive gameplay opportunities. 

Following the camp, our Talent ID team will select 15 athletes and five reserve players to represent Mainland at the National Development Camp in January, providing another valuable step in the performance pathway. 

Year 13 Talented Mainland Camp 

In addition to MDC, a specially selected group of talented Year 13 athletes will be invited to attend an advanced development session led by former Tactix Head Coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek. 

📅 20 September 📍 Christchurch Netball Sports Centre ⏰ 10.00am - 1.00pm 

The session will provide athletes with a unique opportunity to learn from one of New Zealand's most respected coaches before testing themselves in a match against the METS (Mainland Emerging Talent Squad). 

Article added: Wednesday 05 August 2026