When is the junior netball season?
Registrations for Wānaka Primary netball open and close in February. Teams are created in March, and training usually beings late March. Games and trainings are held every week in Term 2, and the first three weeks of Term 3.
When are games played?
Games are played at the Wānaka Recreation Centre (inside and outside courts) every Saturday morning in Term 2, and the first three Saturdays of Term 3. Games are around 40 minutes and are played at either 9am, 10am, or 11am.
On Saturdays we play netball with other teams from the Upper Clutha; Take Karara, Holy Family, and Hawea Flat.
When are team training sessions?
Trainings are at the discretion and availability of the coach. This can be before school, at lunchtime or after school, at the Wānaka Primary courts.
What does it cost?
Netball subs are currently $80 per player for the season. This includes uniform hire and tournaments.
Can boys play?
Yes, absolutely!
How are teams created?
At Wānaka Primary Netball, we create mixed ability teams to ensure a fun, fair game for everyone. Year 3&4s play together, and Y5&6s play together. The Wānaka Primary Netball Committee considerately selects teams (usually with at least one WPS teacher present) based on skill level, experience, friendships, some physical attributes (ie, height) and some other factors.
We also factor in the parents/juniors taking on coaching, manager and umpire roles.
What about uniforms?
Netball uniforms are handed out at the beginning of the season and collected at the end of the season. A $50 fee is applicable for any uniforms not returned.
Netball shoes are recommended but not essential at this level – a good pair of runners usually do just fine. No slides or Crocs! Hair does need to be tied up, and all jewellery and watches taken off. Earrings do need to be completely removed – tape covering earrings is not sufficient.
Leggings and long-sleeve merinos can be worn under the dresses for those frosty mornings!
How am I supported as a coach or umpire?
We love our coaches, managers and umpires – there would be no netball without you! A week-by-week training guide is emailed at the beginning of the season: this is a handy tool to keep on your phone for trainings. There is also a junior coaching and umpiring workshop at the beginning of the season, coordinated by Netball Upper Clutha and Netball South.
We also have WhatsApp group where WPS netball coaches, managers and umpires can communicate with each other and share tips or players. Of course, we also supply you with a full kit bag with balls, bibs, and cones, so you’re ready to roll.
I am a learner umpire. Can I umpire your games?
Wānaka Primary Netball recognises the value that learner umpires bring to our netball community, and we love to support them wherever possible.
If you have your Netball New Zealand Learning To Umpire 2026 certificate – and have completed either a Netball South or Netball Upper Clutha-led umpiring workshop – let’s talk! Ideally you would commit to a Y5/6 team for the season and umpire their Saturday morning games. There are some rule adjustments you’ll need to follow for this level (for example, held ball is 5 seconds, not 3 seconds).
I am not familiar with netball – how can I help as a parent?
We’re always seeking more parent helpers, particularly on the WPS Netball Committee and the Netball Upper Clutha Junior Sub-Committee. Please email us at wpsnetballers@gmail.com for more info. No netball experience required.
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