Mixed netball looking forward to big season, says official

THE Papua New Guinea Mixed and Men’s Netball Association in Port Moresby is anticipating a big season ahead with up to 80 teams likely to compete across six divisions.
Association president Adam Parker has noted a growing interest among men with their netball participation complementing the pace of the sport.
“The sport is gaining popularity because men, once they play the sport, they get hooked as it is a very skilled game,” Parker said
“Women who play mixed netball do so because they love playing with the men. It’s a faster, more physical game and it makes these women stronger players.
“Most of the games are very competitive and it’s also a lot of fun.
“It’s no surprise that players are always smiling and having a laugh on court even though they all want to win.”
The competition will see the return of all six divisions, including a dedicated men’s netball league, premier mixed division for elite players and mixed A, B and C.
An Under-23 mixed division will be introduced this year to encourage young people to take up the sport and give the association the opportunity for talent identification leading up to the Trans Pacific Cup in 2021.
PNG will have an U23 mixed team facing Australia in the 2021 cup.
Nominations are still open for teams to be part of this year’s competition and games are expected to start on April 26.
For more information about the games, Parker can be reached via email on http://[email protected]