FutureFERNS at Whangarei Netball Centre


FutureFERNS is Netball New Zealand’s official junior development program, designed to introduce young players to the game in a fun and supportive environment. The program provides a structured, age-appropriate pathway for children from Year 1 to Year 8, helping them build confidence, develop fundamental skills, and foster a lifelong love for netball. By using modified game formats suited to different age groups, futureFERNS ensures that players learn at a pace that matches their physical and cognitive development.

At Whangarei Netball Centre, we are committed to delivering the futureFERNS program to give all young players the best start in their netball journey. The program focuses on participation, skill development, and enjoyment, gradually progressing from small-sided games in the early years to the full 7-a-side format for older players. Through this approach, we aim to provide a positive experience for all participants, ensuring they have the opportunity to develop, grow, and enjoy netball in a supportive environment.

Junior Netball 

Weekly Skills Sessions 

Junior Netball Year 1-6

DRAWS & RESULTS

JUNIOR NETBALL YEAR 1 - 6



Game Day Mondays

​​​​​4.00pm

  • 20 minute skill session followed by a game
  • 4v4
  • No set positions
  • Maximum of 8 per team
  • Rolling subs
  • 2x 8min halves
  • Equal game time
  • Played across 1/3 of a netball court
  • 20cm textured playground ball
  • Hula hoop or Goal post 2.10m high
  • Coach or parent helper each week
  • No whistle, support play
  • ​​​​​​​No scores recorded
  • Excellent for first time coaches to learn in a
  • supportive environment

​​​​​​​​​Game Day Mondays

4.55pm | 5.50pm

  • 15 minute skill session followed by a game
  • 5v5 
  • 2x attack, 1x centre, 2x defence​​​​​​​rotate, play all positions
  • Recommend 7 players per team
  • Rolling subs
  • 4x 8min quarters
  • ​​​​​​​Equal game time
  • Played across 2/3 of a netball court
  • Size 4 netball
  • Goal post 2.6m high
  • Coach or parent helper each week
  • ​​​​​​​No whistle, support play
  • ​​​​​​​No scores recorded

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Game Day Saturdays 

As per the draw 

  • 15 minute time on court for warm up followed by a game
  • 6v6
  • ​​​​​​​2x attack, 2x centre, 2x defence​​​​​​​rotate, play all positions
  • Recommend 8 players per team
  • Rolling subs
  • ​​​​​​​4x 8min quarters
  • ​​​​​​​Min 1/2 game policy
  • Played on a full-size netball court
  • Size 4 netball
  • Goal post 2.6m high
  • Umpire controlled - modified rules
  • Whistle
  • ​​​​​​​No results tables

YEAR 1-2 COACHING RESOURCE

DOWNLOAD HERE

YEAR 3-4 COACHING RESOURCE

DOWNLOAD HERE

YEAR 5-6 COACHING RESOURCE

DOWNLOAD HERE


KEY INFORMATION

Registrations & Forms

Registrations for Teams for 2025 are open 

New schools please contact Estelle on playerdevelopment@whangareinetball.co.nz​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

BOYS IN NETBALL 

All boys Year 1 to Year 8, (11 years & under), are entitled to participate in netball under Part VII – Integrity Regulations, 3.5 of the NNZ Regulations.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For further information please contact:

Estelle Dobbs 

T:  09 437 1950

E:  playerdevelopment@whangareinetball.co.nz​​​​​​​​​​​​​​