Wagga Wagga secures netball Masters titles

Published: 17 Jun 2021 10:39am

Netballers from across the State will converge on Wagga Wagga later this year after NSW Netball confirmed this week the city will host the 2021 Masters State Titles and Netball NSW Social Masters.

The events will run concurrently and be hosted by the Wagga Wagga Netball Association on Saturday and Sunday, 16-17 October, at the Exhibition Centre’s indoor and outdoor courts.

Netball NSW took both the Masters State Titles and Social Masters to Tamworth in 2019, and after the 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19, the organisation is excited to return to regional NSW again in 2021.

Competitions Manager Claire Dale said it was important to take competitions to different parts of the state as NSW Netball has large numbers of participants in every region.

"We had a brilliant weekend when we headed north of Sydney to Tamworth in 2019, and we can't wait to head south to Wagga Wagga in 2021,” Ms Dale said.

“Like Tamworth, Wagga Wagga has fantastic indoor and outdoor facilities which can accommodate everyone, from those looking to play in a competitive environment, to those just looking for some social fun.

"It was very disappointing that we had to cancel last year's competitions due to COVID-19 but it is a great news story that we are now able to return.

"We look forward to working with the Wagga Wagga Netball Association and Wagga Wagga City Council over the next few months in the run-up to what promises to be a fantastic two-day festival of netball."

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Cr Greg Conkey OAM said it was pleasing to see Netball NSW supporting regional centres, and in particular committing to Wagga Wagga after the cancellation of the event last year.

“We’re delighted to host these events and look forward to welcoming NSW Netball and all participants to our great city,” Cr Conkey said.

“We are a regional capital city which is renowned for hosting top level sporting events and I’m sure this weekend of Masters netball will be no different.

“In recent times we’ve hosted the AFL, NRL, A-League and NSW Touch and can’t wait to see NSW Netball in Wagga Wagga to experience our strong sporting culture and hospitality.

“The netball facilities, both indoor and outdoor, are second-to-none and we have a strong local association which will ensure this weekend of netball is nothing but successful.”

Ms Dale encouraged all associations to save the date and plan for the Wagga Wagga carnival.

Formerly known as the State Championships - Masters, the Masters State Titles will have Association Representative Teams competing.

The Social Masters, meanwhile, is all about getting together with friends for some fun, good times, and a little bit of netball.