Announcement: The Next Big Step for Netball in the Netherlands! 🇳🇱

Netball in the Netherlands is growing rapidly and it’s now time for the next big step. After two successful years of the National Netball League, our community of passionate players and volunteers is thriving. We’re ready to take it to the next level: uniting our top players to form the first National Netherlands Netball team and showcase our regional talent on the international stage.

In 2026, we’ll be working towards the launch of this open national squad, bringing together top players from across the country to represent the Netherlands. A national team will lift the standard of play across all clubs, attract top coaches to develop our athletes, increase public interest in the game and inspire the next generation of Netballers — strengthening clubs and visibility across the country. With more visibility and support, we can expand club programs and strengthen the foundation of the sport throughout The Netherlands.

🌟 What’s Happening

To move towards our vision, we're launching a national team program in 2026 with a pilot phased focused on learning, refining our approach and gaining valuable experience. Our goals include:

• Building a strong, inclusive foundation for a national squad

• Running monthly training camps across multiple cities (February–August 2026)

• Developing players through strategy, match play, and tactical sessions

• Gaining experience through international competition, including a match against Netball France and entry into a UK-based tournament

This approach will help us refine our systems, attract experienced coaches, and lay the groundwork for future funding and official recognition.

🏐 Who Can Join

To be considered for the national squad, players must be 18 or older and meet at least one of the following criteria, in line with World Netball eligibility rules:

• Citizenship: Holds Dutch nationality (Dutch passport).

• Birthplace: Born in the Netherlands.

• Heritage: Has a parent or grandparent born in the Netherlands.

• Residency: Lived in the Netherlands for at least 24 consecutive months prior to selection and has not represented another country during that time.

👥 We’re Also Looking for Performance Staff

We’re building a high-quality team behind the scenes too! Open roles will include:

• Performance Director

• Head Coach

• Assistant Coach

• Team Manager

• Sport Science Specialist

• Performance Analyst

  
  

We’re also inviting three representatives from different netball clubs across the Netherlands to join the selection panel for the national team performance staff. This panel will play a key role in shaping the future of Dutch netball, working alongside Dominique Gunnink (National Team Project Lead) and Delle Benton (Working Group), both from ANC.

💬 Join the Conversation

There’s much more to share. Join our virtual information session on 2 November 2026 where we’ll walk through the full proposal, explain how you can get involved, and answer your questions. Sign up here to join!