Netball
Nominations for the 2026/27 program are now open!
The North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) Netball Program is delivered through the Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network in partnership with Netball NSW.
The program provides an individualised, positive, safe, holistic and inclusive development experience for athletes aged 15–16 years and umpire athletes aged 14–18 years.
The program supports the systematic identification, development and preparation of emerging talent and strengthens the Netball NSW Performance Pathway, while prioritising athlete welfare, program integrity, affordability and a consistent, athlete-centred pathway experience across RAS Member Academies.
Program Partners
Program Benefits
Selected athletes receive:
- High-quality coaching in a squad environment
- Access to quality training facilities
- Strength & Conditioning assessment and programming
- Sports science testing and high-performance training support
- Opportunities to represent NCAS at events
- Education in technical, tactical, and personal Netball development
- Academy uniform kit (additional cost)
- Participation in Your Local Club Academy Games, Netball NSW Academy Challenge and High-Performance Camps.
- Identification and nomination for Netball NSW Emerging Talent Programs
Additional NCAS benefits:
- Partner membership discounts
- Access to Lumin (Academy athlete performance and management platform)
- Support for award and scholarship nominations
- Community engagement and corporate partner exposure
- Promotion through NCAS media channels
Pathway
The NCAS Netball Program aligns with the Netball NSW ‘Sparkle, Strive, Shine’ pathway, which also aligns with the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) FTEM (Foundation, Talent, Elite, Mastery) framework. The NCAS Netball Program is part of the T2 phase of the pathway, progressing athletes from Emerging Talent (ET) to Talent.
Athlete Eligibility
Program Eligibility Criteria
Athletes must:
- Turning 15 or 16 in 2027 (born 2011 or 2012)
- Be committed to progressing to higher representation within Netball.
- Be a registered member of a Netball club within the North Coast region.
- Reside in one of the following LGAs: Tweed, Byron, Lismore, Ballina, Kyogle, Richmond River, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey and Port Macquarie-Hastings.
Athlete Levy
- Coaching*
- Access to training facilities*
- Strength & Conditioning assessments and programming*
- Sports science testing*
- High-performance support (athlete education including nutrition and psychology)
- Athlete Management System access*
- Access to Academy Games* (relevant sports/age groups only)
- Administration and other athlete support
- Insurance
An athlete levy will apply, covering the above listed program benefits and more. Uniform costs are additional, with Netball-specific and NCAS items purchased through the official supplier. Additional event costs may apply for Academy Games and Netball NSW pathway events.
Key Dates
Selection Timeline
- Nominations Open: 1 September 2026
- Nominations Close: 5 October 2026
- Trials: October 11 2026 – Woolgoolga*
*Please note a trial fee of $55 will apply
Program Delivery Period
November 2026 – September 2027
PROGRAM BLOCKS
- Block 1: November – Academy Games (April).
- Block 2: July – Academy Challenge (September).
Key Events (Indicative)
- Netball NSW High-Performance Camp 13th-14th March 2027 (Sydney)
- Your Local Club Academy Games: 9th-11th April 2027 (Tamworth)
- Netball NSW Academy Challenge: TBC
2026/27 Squad
Head Coach
Suzanne Evans
Assistant Coach
Anna Snape
Kieren Pedelty
Performance Squad
TBC
Training Partners
TBC
