Centennial Parklands netball
Photograph: Anderson Mendes
Photograph: Anderson Mendes

Where to play netball in Sydney

Find social netball leagues or compete in die-hard tournaments around Sydney

Olivia Gee
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Whether you’re a star centre with a big heart like Sharon Strzelecki or talented one-handed shooter like Kath Day-Knight, these netball comps around Sydney will have you shouting “if you need!” There’s low-pressure social games for mixed teams that run year-round, and other more traditional competitions where you can get back into the thick of this non-contact (ahem, please) sport. They all require registration ahead of each season, but most are happy to help individuals join or form a team. So plan ahead, even if you’re shooting solo.

When you’ve fought through every quarter like the old Sydney Swifts, organise next week’s plays over a cup of the best coffee in the CBD. Or if the adrenaline is still pumping, keep the active adventure going at the city’s most elaborate indoor climbing centres, along Sydney’s best running routes or at the top kayaking spots.

  • Sport and fitness
  • Darlington

Who’s playing? You don’t have to be a student to aim for gold in these social mixed comps. There’s divisions for more advanced players and fun-focused teams, as well as the exciting new Fast Five competition, which changes up the rules and knocks off the wings to make it a more hectic five-a-side game.

When and where? The 12-week competitions run throughout the year on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons on the squeaky indoor courts at the Sydney Uni Sports and Aquatic Centre.

How much? Teams will need to collect between $728-$858 depending on the day and division, plus the individual $65 membership fee for the Centre for non-students.

Who’s playing? The mixed, ladies and mens teams in this comp won’t be seen wasting a play throwing over a third. There’s a Fast Five league, social divisions keeping it reasonably relaxed and competitive games played between more than 140 teams.

When and where? There’s no split tarmac in sight at the Sport Centre’s sparkling outdoor courts, where the leagues play on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30-8.30pm year-round.

How much? Solo shooters and defenders will pay $140 while teams will need to get $890 together for a season.

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  • Sport and fitness
  • Netball
  • Tempe

Who’s playing? There’s mixed and ladies teams on the roster and as part of Netball NSW, you may encounter a few Liz Ellis look-alikes.

When and where? The outdoor courts at the Robyn Webster Sports Centre host two yearly competitions (Feb-Jun; Aug-Dec). There’s Wednesday night rounds that kick off between 6.30-8.30pm and a Saturday (ladies only) game at 9am.

How much? You’ll need a Netball NSW registration to play (around $82) and then between $50-$90 for the remaining individual rego fees.

  • Attractions
  • Parks and gardens
  • Lidcombe

Who’s playing? Beginners and those who’ve been treading the court for decades can sign up for these mixed social games across four divisions. The senior games include players as young as 14, so bring along your wriggly little siblings or keen kids.

When and where? You can have a toss year-round at Wyatt Park’s outdoor courts. Games start at 7pm and 8pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

How much? It’s $770 for the team, plus an individual $20 registration fee for each 12-week season.

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  • Things to do
  • Ultimo

Who’s playing? This mixed social competition is run by Intrinsic Sports, with the casual mixed games played on rooftop courts.

When and where? Rock up at the Ultimo Community Centre on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8pm and enjoy the view from the courts throughout the year.

How much? The 11-week competition will set teams back $785, and individual players simply pay their share when joining.

Who’s playing? The YMCA have their social sports down pat, so organisation is thorough and you can expect players to be just as dedicated. But you won’t have to face the fiercest lot, as mixed and womens teams are graded.

When and where? The womens teams play on Monday and Thursday evenings inside the Ryde YMCA, with the mixed cohort on Wednesdays. Games start at 6.30pm and run across 22-week summer and winter seasons. 

How much? These extended seasons will set teams back $1,485, in addition to a $28 individual rego fee.

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Who’s playing? Anyone from complete beginners to former state-age champs can have a crack across the four leagues on offer for mixed and ladies teams. There’s also a kids’ division if you’re aiming for full family domination.

When and where? There’s games held year-round on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the indoor and outdoor courts at Waverley Park, which is just a ten-minute stroll from Bondi Junction.

How much? You can register as an individual for $215 for a 12-week season, or $1,730 for full teams.

  • Sport and fitness
  • Willoughby

Who’s playing? The 30 clubs in the association are largely fuelled by lady power, with one mixed twilight competition. This is the ideal comp if you’re looking to really get back in the action, uniforms and all.

When and where? There’s the regular winter ladies club comp running at the Willoughby courts on Friday evenings and Saturdays, as well as a year-round indoor ladies league on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the attached leisure centre. The mixed Monday twilight sessions run from September-December, and there’s another ladies comp Tuesday mornings during the school terms.

How much? You'll need to be part of a club to play in most of these, and prices will be determiend by that memebership. But you can get involved in Tuesday morning ladies comp for $790 per term.

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