Emerging Australian netball talent is set to shine when the 2023 National Netball Championships are held in Darwin in April.
Netball Australia’s 17/U and 19/U pathway competitions will be contested across the week of April 11 - 16 at CDU Stadium in Marrara, located north of Darwin’s city centre.
The National Netball Championships provide an opportunity for developing athletes, coaches, umpires and officials to prosper since its inception in 1985, with an array of Origin Australian Diamonds having participated in the pathway event.
The 38th edition of the Championship will see two teams from each state and territory compete across six days with a 17/U and 19/U champion to be crowned at the conclusion of the event.
Last year’s Championship marked a significant milestone as the event returned for the first time since 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Netball Northern Territory will host competing squads from the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.
As the reigning champions in both 17/U and 19/U age groups, New South Wales will set out to retain their titles.
“The National Netball Championships are an important part of Netball Australia’s pathway program, and we are excited to hold the 2023 edition in the Northern Territory,” said Netball Australia’s Executive General Manager of Performance Stacey West.
“The Championships provide the basis for our 17/U and 19/U national athlete squad selections. Each year we see the talent expanded upon, which builds anticipation for our national programs in the years ahead.”
"For our umpires and coaches in the pathway, the Championships provide a great opportunity to test out their skills in the national environment, as well as connect with peers and others in the sport at a highly competitive level".
Chair of Netball Northern Territory, Catherine Sansom, echoed West’s sentiment.
“Netball Northern Territory is thrilled to be hosting the National Championships in April at CDU stadium, Darwin,” Sansom said.
“We are excited for the Northern Territory community who will get to watch the brightest new talent from all States and Territories over the week in our home stadium, on Larrakia Land.
“The last time we hosted the National Netball Championships was in 2013 at the Darwin Basketball Stadium. Being able to host again, this time at our own venue is a vision which has been a long time coming.”
Ticketing information for the 2023 National Netball Championships will be released prior to the event.
