(Original source: Netball Australia)

Netball belongs to everyone. Netball Australia has officially released the updated National Junior Netball Guidelines, marking a significant step toward making the sport more inclusive, safe, and engaging for players aged 5 to 18.

At C2C Sport, we believe that "looking the part" should never come at the cost of feeling comfortable. As a proud supporter of inclusive sport, we’re breaking down how these new guidelines affect your team’s gear and how you can stay ahead of the curve.

Key Takeaways from the 2026 National Junior Netball Guidelines

The refreshed framework is a core part of the "Made in Netball" 10-year strategic plan. The goal is simple: grow the netball family to two million participants by 2035 by removing barriers to entry.

1. A Focus on Inclusive Environments

The guidelines emphasize creating a "culturally safe" space. This includes proactive support for:

• First Nations Players: Acknowledging and honoring First Nations histories and contributions by way of supporting and including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into the sport.

• Diverse Gender Identity: Ensuring players of all gender identities and sexualities feel valued and able to thrive.

• Multicultural & All-Abilities Communities: Making the game accessible to every child who wants to pick up a ball.

2. Modernizing Skill Progression

The focus is now on long-term engagement and enjoyment, ensuring juniors stay in the sport throughout their teens and into adulthood.

3. Breaking Down Participation Barriers

One of the most discussed updates involves the flexibility of the netball environment—specifically how clubs and associations can adapt to meet the needs of their local communities.

The Role of Inclusive Uniforms in the New Guidelines

A major barrier to junior participation has historically been the "one-size-fits-all" approach to netball gear. The new guidelines encourage clubs to foster inclusive environments—and that starts with what the players wear.

At Coast2coast Sport, we are proud to lead the way in inclusive netball uniforms. We understand that for a young player to feel "culturally safe" or physically comfortable, they need choices.

How C2C Sport Supports the New Standards:

• Beyond the Dress: While we love the classic netball dress, we offer a full range of inclusive silhouettes, including performance shorts, leggings, and unisex singlets.

• Cultural Representation: We specialize in integrating club-specific branding into high-quality, sublimated kits that tell a story.

• Comfort for All Bodies: Our netball range is designed with premium, breathable fabrics that ensure juniors focus on their footwork, not their uniform.

• Religious & Personal Modesty: Our mix-and-match pieces allow players to adhere to religious requirements or personal comfort levels without sacrificing team spirit.

Click here to view the National Junior Netball Guidelines

Netball Australia is encouraging all junior programs to adopt these guidelines immediately. As your club looks to modernize its approach to inclusion, your uniform policy is the perfect place to start.

When players look good and feel comfortable, they play great. Let’s work together to make sure every junior netballer in Australia has the chance to shine.

👉 Explore the C2C Sport Inclusive Netball Collection Today