Toowoomba Netball Association set to join Greater Brisbane Netball League

It is already one of Toowoomba and Australia’s most played sports but the Toowoomba Netball Association has plans to grow the game even more at every level in the Garden City.

Toowoomba netball players Lola Majoribanks and Ariana Jeffrey. Picture: Nev Madsen.

NETBALL: Toowoomba Netball Association has a grand vision for the future of the sport in the Garden City.

Their ultimate goal is to bring the state age championships back to Toowoomba for the first time since 1984, but for now their focus is a little bit ‘narrower’.

With a major new sponsor on board TNA is focused on growing the game locally and upskilling their players.

As well as producing local representative teams – TNA will join the Greater Brisbane Netball League in 2023.

“Exciting things are happening including Toowoomba netball entering an under-16 girls team into the Greater Brisbane Netball League,” TNA chairman Brad Chapman said.

“It gives the girls the opportunity to play against high quality opposition on a regular basis.

“The hope is that exposure will help them develop and grow as players.

“It’s not just about the players though.

“Our coaches will learn from the experience as well and bring that knowledge and different ideas back to Toowoomba. We will also be taking umpires and other officials as well who will benefit.”

Discussing the future of Toowoomba netball are (from left) Infrabuild account manager Nathan Goos, Toowoomba netball player Lola Majoribanks, Ariana Jeffrey and Toowoomba Netball chairman Brad Chapman. Picture: Nev Madsen.

TNA is also expanding at the local level with the addition of a mixed netball competition.

Current rules allow boys to play netball up until the age of 13 before moving into male only or mixed competitions.

Chapman said the decision to add the new competition was an easy one.

“We have seen an increase in interest from boys wanting to play the sport over the past few years,” Chapman said.

“With that in mind, and with Netball Queensland pushing to provide more opportunities for boys, we’re adding a mixed competition.

“We don’t have the numbers for a boys only competition at the moment but it’s certainly a goal for the future.”

The focus on growth and development is thanks in part to an increase in support and sponsorship.

National firm Infrabuild have thrown their support behind netball at the grassroots level in Toowoomba.

“We’re very passionate about junior sport and the benefits that come along with physical activity as well as the social benefits,” Infrabuild South Queensland area manager Adam Kerrigan said.

“Toowoomba Netball Association approached us about sponsorship and we saw it as an opportunity to help out an organisation that doesn’t always get the same level of support that other sports do.

“Any chance we have to support the local sporting community is a good one.”