The Peel Football and Netball League’s expansion will continue in 2019, with the netball sector set to add a fourth division to its ranks in the coming season.
The PFNL’s eight clubs have fielded netball teams in three grades over the past two seasons, with the competition consisting of the league, reserves and open divisions.
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But 2019 will see the PFNL launch its first ever junior netball grade as they host an under 20s category alongside the three existing levels of play.
The league is currently in the process of taking expressions of interests from clubs to potentially field teams in the under 20s, with five already showing strong interest.
Only four teams would be required to run the competition, which PFNL netball coordinator Anne Bowey said would create a pathway for clubs to develop players.
“It’s definitely going to be a pathway clubs can use to improve their top sides,” she said.
“I think overall it’s something that will make the competition a better standard and also increase our participation numbers a bit.”
The expansion follows the addition of the PFNL’s first ever women’s competition in 2018 and the expected launch of a fourth men’s football grade this coming season.
The league will also be fielding a team in Netball WA’s upcoming Metro League, which kicks off next month.
Associations from across the metropolitan and surrounding areas will field teams in the new competition, taking to the courts at the State Netball Centre on Friday nights from February 8 – April 5.
Bowey will coach Peel in the tournament, with the team eager to get into their first game.
“I think we’ll be really competitive no matter what division we’re put into,” she said.
“It’s exciting for us to be fielding our first ever representative side and the girls are really keen to get on the courts.”
On top of the Metro League the PFNL is also exploring the option of fielding a side in Netball WA’s Smarter than Smoking Association Championships, set to be held in June.
The league is currently seeking coaches and managers for its representative teams, and is also on the lookout for players for the under 20s division.
For more information or to register your interest email pfnlnetball@gmail.com