After moving to Step 4 of our community netball roadmap, shown here, we’re pleased to announce details of our national community competitions and events for the 2021/22 season.
Whilst this is a positive step, it is one that the entire netball community needs to take with care so that we can hopefully enjoy a full season of netball in 2021/22.
We’re planning to run these events using the standard rules of netball but this, and all dates for the upcoming season, are dependent on Government restrictions and infection rates. If needed, we will use rule modifications and enhanced risk mitigations.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Government restrictions, competitions were unable to run during the 2020/21 season with the health and safety of the Netball Family being our number one priority.
In addition to our traditional National Clubs competitions, we will therefore also be looking to offer some additional events for athletes who have missed out on the chance of competing in the 2020/2021 National Club Finals. We are currently reviewing what may be possible and will share more news on this in due course.
Here are the proposed dates and details for national community competitions and events in 2021/22…
Premier League Netball
The new Premier League 1, 2 and 3 season will begin on Sunday 26 September 2021.
After the remaining matches of the 2019/20 season were cancelled, no promotion or relegation took place so the same 30 teams that started that campaign will contest the 2021/22 season.
The season will run until the end of March 2022 with the Premier League Playoffs taking place on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April 2022.
National Schools Finals
The National Schools Finals, in association with the British Army, will take place on the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March 2022.
The top 18 teams in the under 14, under 16 and under 19 age groups will compete to be crowned national champions.
With the National Schools Competition offering much more than just physical benefits for all those involved, we’re looking forward to its return and are confident of the first stages of the competition starting in September 2021 subject to Government guidance and restrictions at the time.
Entry into the National Schools Competition is via your local County Netball Association. Information on who to contact in your area can be found here.
National Club Finals
The National Club Finals, in association with the British Army, offer clubs in the under 14 and under 16 age groups a chance to compete to be crowned national club champions.
The best 18 teams at each age group qualify through their regions to compete in these finals in May 2022. Please contact your regional competition organiser for information on how to enter the National Clubs Competition.
Under 14 National Club Finals – Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May 2022
Under 16 National Club Finals – Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May 2022
We would like to thank you all for your continued commitment to the game, for your unwavering support and ongoing patience.
To date, the Netball Family have done a tremendous job in keeping each other as safe as possible and we are proud of netball’s response to the pandemic, from supporting one another off court to getting back on court together and showing real resilience throughout every step of our return.
It is now time to proceed with care and continue to together rebuild netball participation as we look forward to a new season and maximising on the excitement of a home Commonwealth Games next July.
Follow England Netball on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for the latest news and content.