HDNA will proudly host the four-day showcase at their newly upgraded Firth Park complex, featuring 24 brand new courts that will provide the perfect stage for the state's emerging netball talent to shine in a record 2336 matches – over 150 more than last year’s event.
As host, HDNA will be aiming for another big event after picking up four divisional titles in last year’s Junior State Age and finishing runner-up in the Junior Boys division.
The numbers tell an impressive story, with 252 teams set to participate across the event.
This includes teams from 58 associations alongside three invitational clubs. Over 2700 players are expected to take the court, supported by over 250 umpires, 300-plus coaches and over 250 team managers.
Teams will participate across four age divisions, with the 12U division featuring 77 teams, 13U boasting the largest field with 83 teams, 14U comprising 80 teams and Junior Boys fielding 12 teams.
Sarina and District Netball Association, Stanthorpe Netball Association and Tableland Netball Association will compete in a Junior State Age event for the first time.
The event also welcomes back Blackwater Netball Association and Herbert River Netball Association for the first time at a State Age for multiple years.
Adding to the excitement, Metropolitan Districts Netball Association will make history by entering a Boys team in a Junior State Age event for the first time.
The invitational contingent includes Capricorn Netball Region, Darling Downs Netball Association and Palmerston Netball Association from the Northern Territory.
As part of the event, Netball Queensland umpire coaches will provide valuable support and development while the highly successful Netball Queensland Green Armband initiative to identify under-18 umpires will again be in place.
By promoting understanding and respect, the Green Arm Band Initiative helps ensure our young umpires feel supported as they learn and grow within the game. Respect for umpires at all ages remains a core value across the game, and events like Junior State Age are a chance to reinforce this at every level.
This year, Netball Queensland's Coach Development team will launch the Coach Connect Program - designed to provide a supportive space where coaches can grow their coaching knowledge and confidence. The Coach Development team will be providing coach mentoring during the competition, giving coaches the chance to refine their skills and gain fresh insights in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Netball Queensland extends sincere thanks to Experience Gold Coast for their valued support in bringing this event to the region.
“What a coup, securing the Junior State Age with 7000 spectators and 2500 participants here for the action,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“Festivals like this highlight our city’s capacity to host major sports events and netball is right up there as a mass participation sport.
“It is fantastic to see the City’s multi-million-dollar investment at Firth Park already paying dividends.
“I look forward to further showcasing the Gold Coast’s facilities and logistics support as we head towards the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.”
FOR FULL EVENT INFORMATION VISIT THE NQ JUNIOR STATE AGE HUB HERE.
