Suncorp Super Netball clubs and state and territory member organisations will next year enter teams into the Australian Netball Championships (ANC), a new-look pathway competition that will replace the Australian Netball League (ANL) in 2021.
The ANC will be delivered in a tournament-style format at a single location over one to two weeks and expanded team entry parameters will allow inclusion of teams from member organisations and Suncorp Super Netball clubs, or a combination of both.
The event aims to bring together all of Australia’s emerging netball talent, including athletes, coaches, umpires and officials, for talent identification and development looking toward Suncorp Super Netball and international levels.
The 2021 Australian Netball Championships are set to take place a week after the Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final, with dates and location yet to be confirmed.
Netball Australia Executive General Manager of Performance Stacey West said the system is looking forward to the new competition.
“Just like ANL, the Australian Netball Championships will provide the opportunity to align our entire netball pathway system to showcase current talent and future potential, ensuring the preparation of Australia’s emerging elite athletes, coaches, umpires and officials for Suncorp Super Netball and international levels,” she said.
“All state and territory-based member organisations and Suncorp Super Netball clubs are in support of this new model of play that will also incorporate off-court leadership and development sessions for all involved.”
The 2020 Australian Netball League competition was cancelled due to the impact of COVID-19. More detail around the Australian Netball Championships will be confirmed in 2021.
