The Junior Thunder League will have two divisions, 15/U and 17/U, to accommodate players aged from 12 years old.
With male participation in Netball increasing by 66 per cent in the last two years, the Junior Thunder League provides a competitive opportunity for a rapidly growing demographic.
Seven Associations from across metropolitan and regional areas will participate in the new Friday night competition. Eastern Hills, Kalamunda Districts, Perth, Southern Districts, South Midlands, Swan Districts and Wanneroo Netball Associations will all field teams.
Boys can still register individually even if they are not from the listed Associations and they will be placed in a team.
The League will provide a pathway for both the School Sport WA State 12/U and the West Coast Thunder 17/U programs.
For boys aged 10-12, clinics focussing on basic skills and gameplay will be available to individual participants alongside the Junior Thunder League. These clinics are led by High Performance Coach Lyn Pemberton and representatives from the Men’s GIG WANL division.
The Junior Thunder League was created after Netball WA commissioned a report by consultant Morag Croser in 2022 to review the current pathway for boys and men playing Netball in WA, with the intention of considering areas of opportunity and growth.
Netball WA also set up a Men and Boys Advisory Group during 2023 who have been crucial in providing support, guidance and developing the competition.
Netball WA General Manager of Community Beth Harvey said the Junior Thunder League was a great initiative to provide boys a competitive setting to play Netball without competing with winter sports.
“We are thrilled with the engagement of the Associations who have opted into the pilot and additionally with the interest we have received from boys and young men wanting to participate,” she said.
“As a pilot, this competition will run through October and November and provide opportunity for those male players in underage divisions who are unable to access a Netball competition during the traditional winter season.
“The competition has been named the Junior Thunder League, paying homage to the West Coast Mens and Mixed Netball Association who have long championed a Netball pathway for boys and men.
“Their involvement in the advisory group and collaboration with Netball WA has been so important and greatly valued. It is fantastic to have all parts of the Netball ecosystem in WA working together for this fantastic initiative.
“We are looking forward to seeing the Junior Thunder League come to life in Spring 2023 and watch it grow into the future.”
For information on how to join, contact Junior Thunder League Competition Coordinator Shelley McLennan at shelley.mclennan@netballwa.com.au
Fixtures:
20 October 6pm – Perth Netball Association
27 October 7:30pm – Southern Districts Netball Association
3 November 6pm – Perth Netball Association
10 November 6pm – Wanneroo Districts Netball Association
17 November 7:30pm – Fremantle Netball Association
24 November 7:30pm – Fremantle Netball Association
