PLAY NETBALL ACADEMY FAQS

Play Netball Academy

• What is the Play Sports Juniors Netball Academy?

  Our Netball Academy provides fun, friendly and age-appropriate netball sessions for children and young people aged 5–17. Sessions focus on developing netball skills, confidence, teamwork and a love of being active in a positive and supportive environment.

• Does my child need to have played netball before?

  Not at all! Our sessions are suitable for complete beginners as well as children who already have netball experience. Coaches adapt activities to suit the age and ability of the group, so everyone can get involved and develop at their own pace.

• What ages can attend?

  Our Netball Academy is open to children and young people aged 5–17. Sessions are organised with age and development in mind, helping children learn alongside others at a suitable level.

• Are your sessions just for girls?

  No. Our Netball Academy welcomes girls and boys who want to get involved, learn netball and have fun.

• What happens during a typical session?

  Sessions include a mixture of fun warm-ups, netball-based games, skills and drills, teamwork activities and match play. The exact structure will vary depending on the age and experience of the group.

• Is the Academy competitive?

  Our main focus is on fun, development and confidence rather than results. There will be plenty of opportunities to experience match play and friendly competition, but we want children to enjoy playing and feel comfortable learning and making mistakes.

• What will my child learn?

  Children will develop core netball skills including passing, catching, footwork, movement, shooting, defending and positional play. They’ll also develop important skills away from the ball, including communication, teamwork, confidence and decision-making.

• What should my child wear?

  Children should wear comfortable sports clothing and suitable trainers. They don’t need a netball kit to attend, but you can purchase a branded hoodie if you want to.

• What should my child bring?

  We recommend bringing a water bottle to every session. Any equipment needed for the activities will be provided by us.

• Does my child need to bring a netball?

  No. We provide the netballs and equipment needed for each session.

• Who runs the sessions?

  Sessions are delivered by friendly Play Sports Juniors coaches who are there to help children learn, develop and, most importantly, enjoy playing netball.

• Are your coaches DBS checked?

  Yes. Our coaches are appropriately DBS checked and follow our safeguarding procedures to help provide a safe and supportive environment for every child.

• What qualifications do your coaches have?

  Our coaching team includes appropriately qualified and experienced coaches. We ensure coaches have the relevant checks, training and experience required for the sessions they deliver.

• What if my child is nervous about joining?

  That’s completely normal, particularly if they’re joining without knowing anyone or haven’t played netball before. Our coaches will help them settle into the group and get involved at a pace they’re comfortable with.

• Can my child join on their own?

  Absolutely. Most children join individually, so there’s no need to already have friends attending to be part of our team!

• Can friends join together?

  Yes! If your child has a friend who would also like to play, they’re very welcome to join too.

• Does my child need to be part of a school or netball club?

  No. Our Academy is open to children whether or not they currently play netball at school or for a club.

• My child already plays netball. Will the Academy still be suitable?

  Yes. The Academy isn’t just for beginners. Children with previous experience can continue developing their technique, game understanding, confidence and match play.

• Is the Academy suitable if my child isn't very sporty?

  Definitely. We want our sessions to be somewhere children can enjoy being active without feeling under pressure. They don’t need to consider themselves “sporty” or already be confident at netball to take part.

• Where do the Netball Academy sessions take place?

  We run Play Sports Juniors Netball Academy sessions at selected venues across the UK. You can use our website to find your nearest Academy and see the days, times and venue information available.

• When do sessions take place?

  Our Academy sessions take place during evenings and weekends, making them easier to fit around school and other activities. Exact days and times vary between locations.

• How long is each session?

  Session lengths can vary depending on the Academy and age group. You’ll find the specific session times when viewing your chosen location.

• Can my child join after the Academy has already started?

  Where spaces are available, children may be able to join after a block of sessions has started. Check your local Academy for current availability.

• What happens if my child misses a session?

  We understand that children won’t always be able to attend every week. Details regarding missed sessions, payments and cancellations can be found within our booking terms.

• Do parents need to stay during the session?

  This can depend on the age group and venue. Any specific requirements for parents or guardians will be explained when you book.

• What if my child has a medical condition or allergy?

  Please make us aware of any relevant medical conditions, allergies or additional information when registering your child. This helps our team understand anything they need to be aware of during sessions.

• What happens if my child gets injured during a session?

  Our coaches follow appropriate procedures if a child becomes injured or unwell during a session. Parents or guardians will be contacted where necessary, and emergency procedures will be followed when required.

• Will my child play matches?

  Yes. Match play is an important and enjoyable part of learning netball. Depending on the age group, coaches will introduce games and match situations that allow children to put the skills they’ve learned into practice.

• Will my child be put into a team?

  Children will regularly work in different groups and teams during sessions. The Academy isn’t dependent on your child already belonging to a team – we’ll organise everything during the session.

• Is Play Sports Juniors Netball Academy linked to your adult Play Netball leagues?

  Yes. Play Sports Juniors is part of the same Play Sports family. We’ve spent over 10 years providing social netball opportunities for adults and have used that experience and love of the sport to create enjoyable, welcoming netball opportunities for younger players too.

• How do I book a place?

  Simply find your nearest Netball Academy on the Play Sports Juniors website, select the appropriate age group/session and follow the registration instructions.

• What if there isn't a Netball Academy near me yet?

  We’re continuing to grow Play Sports Juniors and bring our sessions to new areas. If there isn’t an Academy near you yet, keep an eye on the website for new locations.

• Who can I contact if I have a question before booking?

  Our team will be happy to help. You can contact Play Sports Juniors if you’d like to ask anything about your local Academy, booking or whether a session is suitable for your child.

• Is Play Sports Juniors Netball Academy suitable for beginners?

  100%! Your child doesn’t need any previous netball experience to join us. Our Academies are designed to be welcoming and enjoyable for everyone – from children picking up a netball for the very first time to those who already play regularly. The focus is on having fun, building confidence, making friends and developing their netball skills along the way.