TO accommodate for netball’s increasing participation rates, Golden Rivers Football Netball League have added a fourth netball grade for the 2024 season.
Central Rivers leagues manager Jessie Chester said the new grade would allow clubs to provide another avenue for players to get on the court.
“We initially had heard a bit of interest from clubs,” she said.
“They had been expressing that they had overwhelming numbers heading into this preseason, and had a lot of people expressing their interest in getting involved.
“A few clubs had told us that they were so full, but they didn’t want to have to turn players away.”
The question was raised whether a new grade was worth exploring.
“I just reached out to the clubs and gauged their interest in the idea,” Chester said.
“The overwhelming feedback is that clubs really want this, which I found so exciting.
“This obviously adds a new team to their club and gives them another game and allows them to add to their existing culture.
“When the feedback came back, we just kind of said that we’d give it a go.
“I told clubs that if we have all six clubs on board and it’s successful, this could turn into the same kind of structure that is seen in the Central Murray.”
Five of the league’s six teams will be participating in the new category, with Moulamein the only team unable to join the fray as of yet.
Chester said there was still a chance the Swans could enter the competition before round 1.
“I am feeling there is still a chance for Moulamein to join the grade before the season starts,” she said.
“The participation rates are great, especially in the Golden Rivers.
“I think it’s a really exciting prospect.”
