THE Peel region will have a new netball competition this year in line with the Alcoa Peel Football League (PFL) season.
Each of the eight PFL clubs will be represented in the new Peel Netball League (PNL) with both a League and Reserves squad.
Assistant coordinator Jodi Dunlop said the model of the competition came from Victoria and South Australia where all their clubs are combined football and netball.
“This type of format has been in place for a number of years in the south west and great southern regions, and it’s fantastic for creating club culture and getting more of the community involved in their local sporting clubs,” she said.
The concept of the PNL was originally proposed three years ago by then chairman of the PFL Paul Campaner, but met roadblocks.
Dunlop said they never gave up on the idea.
“Deb Clancy the Waroona Football Club president came on board with Campaner last year, and between them really gave it the push it needed with other Peel football clubs,” she said. “It is a huge achievement and recognition of how well received a competition like this is for the Peel region.”
Campaner said it was a proud moment.
“When the idea was conceived there was no netball being played in the Peel region on a Saturday,” he said.
“Adding netball to a football club makes it a sporting club and immediately changes the culture.
“It creates a more family atmosphere and hopefully will attract more clubs to the league.
“Ten clubs would be ideal for the football fixture with each team playing each other twice; having netball might encourage clubs like the Warnbro Swans and Secret Harbour Dockers to join the league.”
PFL general manager of operations Geoff Hiller said the league was excited about Peel netball being aligned with the league.
“This league is still very much a grass roots country football league that wants to grow and stay a very strong viable competition,” he said. “Netball following football has many benefits for the clubs.”
The netball fixture will follow the football schedule with games played in the nearby recreation centres.
For example, for a Pinjarra Football Club home game the netball fixture will be held in the Pinjarra Recreation Centre earlier in the day.
“This allows players to finish their game then head over to watch and support the football and the guys can cheer on their girls,” Dunlop said.
The season will be 14 rounds, slightly shorter than the football season, with teams playing each other twice.
With the PFL turning 25 next season, Hiller said the PNL was a step in the right direction.
The inaugural PNL fixture will see all sides play at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre for the launch of the competition on April 17 in both Reserves and League.
To register interest players can contact their local football club, go to the Peel Netball League’s Facebook page or contact Jodi Dunlop on 0418 310 318.
The competition will look to expand to include a Colts, or Fillies, competition next year in line with the football.
The PNL are eeking a naming rights, opening night and finals series sponsor.
