Netball’s move to replicate FIFA Women’s World Cup success
Netball has revealed the secret weapon it hopes will replicate the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for it’s own World Cup in 2027, plus expert tips for round 9 of Super Netball.
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The man responsible for designing the legacy elements of the hugely successful FIFA Women’s World Cup will push for more of the same for netball after being appointed chief operating officer of the local organising committee for the 2027 World Cup in Sydney.
Netball Australia’s (NA) bid to make the World Cup the best in history has been bolstered by the appointment of Mark Falvo, who has spent 15 years in senior executive positions and worked across major sporting, cultural, and tourism events in partnership with the Australian and NSW Governments.
A former COO and deputy general secretary at Football Australia, Falvo built the bid for and drove legacy elements of the hugely successful FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, delivering growth of the game across Australia.
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He believes the same can happen for netball when the World Cup is held in Sydney in August-September of 2027 despite it being held over a much shorter time frame than the football version.
“It’s an event that really should be for that community to celebrate and to really feel connected to,” Falvo said.
“So I think that’s something that is going to be front of mind for me in this role, is to consider how to really make sure this event is for that community, and for that community to really step back and realise how special a game it is for them and for so many.
“And then, of course, it’s also an opportunity to attract a whole new set of fans and to build interest, you know, outside of that community, which I think is something that the (FIFA) Women’s World Cup was obviously able to do, and that’s the opportunity also for netball.”
Falvo, who only started in the role this week, said it was not just the event itself but the lasting impression it leaves – from lasting fan engagement to growth of the game both commercially and in player registrations, as well as through lasting infrastructure or government policy initiatives.
“How much work and what kind of thinking has been done in advance to really leverage this event for all that it can it can deliver (will be crucial),” Falvo said.
“That’s also the appeal for me, because most major events in Australia can be almost guaranteed successes.
“But the real work is to really make them have an impact that goes that extra mile in terms of benefiting the community, developing the sport and attracting new fans and participants to the game.”
NA chief executive Stacey West said having Falvo on board was a huge asset to the sport as it prepared for the biggest Netball World Cup on record.
“Securing the calibre of someone like Mark is a sign of just how important the next World Cup is,” West said.
“We are taking bold steps to make sure this is the best Netball World Cup ever, particularly as Australia moves into its green and gold sporting decade.
“Not only will the World Cup showcase the best female athletes on the planet, it will also be a global celebration of women’s sport and will capture the hearts and minds of both lifelong, committed netball fans as well as new audiences, partners and sponsors.
“It’s now full steam ahead with Mark taking the reins and supporting our direction as we work towards August 2027.”
Competition at the World Cup itself will also look slightly different, with World Netball announcing on Thursday the event would introduce a Plate competition, understood to be for the bottom eight teams after the opening round of preliminaries.
Competition will now be held over 12 days, rather than 10, to allow equitable recovery time between matches for all teams and players.
While there had been calls from some, including former Australian Diamonds and South Africa coach Norma Plummer to run two divisions from the start to prevent the blowouts that occur between the top teams and minnow nations, World Netball officials said the addition of a plate competition would enhance competitiveness, engagement and storytelling opportunities for the full duration of the tournament across all key stakeholder groups – players, fans, content partners and sponsors.
“This is a first step in making change as we look to maximise our pinnacle event,” World Netball chief executive Fiona Harold said.
“It’s crucial that we adapt and evolve our products in today’s challenging and
competitive commercial market, whilst at the same time protecting our athletes and
their welfare in what is an increasingly demanding annual schedule.”
ROUND 9
PREVIEWS
SATURDAY
(All times AEST)
FIREBIRDS V LIGHTNING
Nissan Arena, Brisbane, 5pm
The Queensland derby usually brings out the best in both teams but it was one-way traffic last start, with the Lightning winning by 14 points as they celebrated foundation shooter Cara Koenen’s 100th match. Ash Ervin had a night out on towering shooter Mary Cholhok, finishing with 11 gains and while Courtney Bruce has been earning more and more time on court as she regains full fitness, it’s likely the Diamond-in-waiting will get the match-up on the 201cm Ugandan again.
There were some good patches from the Firebirds in Perth last week, especially at the start of the match. They’ll need to get the jump again but their midcourt, in particular, has to stay on song and against one of the most experienced sides in the league, they can’t afford to give up the ball cheaply.
SWIFTS V FEVER
Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney, 7pm
The line-up to get into Ken Rosewall Arena on Saturday night, should be stretching down Olympic Boulevard such is the excitement at this match, which has strong playoff vibes, in just round 9. Last time these two teams met, the Swifts handed out a shellacking, dismantling the Fever on their home court and winning by 18 points in the season opener.
That was against a GOAT-less Fever though and they are unbeaten since the return of star shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard in round 3. With Fowler-Nembhard and the Swifts’ Grace Nweke both shooting in the high 90 per cent range though, it could be the defenders that win the day, with key moments likely to decide the match.
SUNDAY
Vixens v Mavericks
John Cain Arena, Melbourne, 2pm
Could this be the moment little sister stands up against their cross-town rivals? The Mavericks are edging closer to the team that was planned for in last year’s inaugural season, with Lauren Parkinson, who missed the entire first year with a ruptured ACL, turning out in Super Netball reserves last week and Eleanor Cardwell completing match scrimmage earlier this week after an eight-month recovery from her own knee injury.
They’re unlikely to be at full strength but will challenge the Vixens, who are still short of the form that sent them to last year’s grand final. It’s a crucial match for both teams, with the win vital if either side is to make the top four.
Thunderbirds v Giants
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, 4pm
The Giants scored their only win of the season against the Thunderbirds in round 1 in the Adelaide side’s first match after the departure of Shamera Sterling-Humphrey (pregnant). In that outing, the T-Birds seemed to lack the spark that has driven them to consecutive premiership campaigns and any talk of them being a premiership threat seemingly evaporated.
Their efforts against the Swifts last week though, showed they can’t be counted out and with contributions from throughout the squad - captain Hannah Petty had her best match of the season - they can’t be counted out. Co-captain Jo Harten was the hero for the Giants last time but with young gun Matisse Letherbarrow on fire last start, whether the co-captain even hits the court is in the air.
Tips
Emma Greenwood: Lightning, Swifts, Vixens, Thunderbirds.
Last week: 4 Total: 26
Nat Medhurst: Lightning, Fever, Mavericks, Thunderbirds.
Last week: 4 Total: 25
Rebecca Williams: Lightning, Swifts, Vixens, Thunderbirds.
Last week: 4 Total: 24
Lisa Alexander: Lightning, Swifts, Vixens, Thunderbirds.
Last week: 4 Total: 22
Bianca Chatfield: Lightning, Fever, Vixens, Thunderbirds.
Last week: 4 Total: 21
Erin Smith: Lightning, Fever, Vixens, Thunderbirds.
Last week: 4 Total: 18
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Originally published as Netball’s move to replicate FIFA Women’s World Cup success
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