Bringing Netball to Summer Camps: A New Global Sport Kids Will Love
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
Summer camps are always searching for fresh, inclusive activities that engage campers of all ages and abilities. One sport gaining momentum across schools, camps, and recreation programs is netball, a fast paced team game played by more than 20 million people worldwide. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Natalie Williams, Vice President of Education for Netball America, to learn how camps can easily introduce this exciting sport into their programs.
A Global Sport with Growing Momentum
Natalie grew up in Wales where netball was a central part of school sports culture. After earning a degree in sport and exercise science and teaching physical education, she moved into university teaching and now works in the United States helping expand netball education. Her role with Netball America focuses on training teachers, leading demonstrations, and helping schools and camps understand how simple it is to bring the sport to their communities.
Netball is especially familiar to many international counselors, particularly those from the United Kingdom, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries. For camps that hire international staff, introducing netball creates an immediate opportunity for counselors to share a sport they know and love while building connections with campers.
What Is Netball?
Netball combines elements of basketball, European handball, and ultimate frisbee. The game emphasizes teamwork, movement, and passing rather than dribbling. Key features include:
No dribbling or running with the ball
Non contact gameplay
Seven players per team, each with a specific position
Zone based movement, meaning players operate within designated areas of the court
Two designated shooters per team
Games typically played in four quarters, though camps can adapt timing as needed
Because players cannot move while holding the ball, teamwork becomes essential. Campers quickly learn communication, spacing, and cooperation, making netball an outstanding developmental sport.
Why Netball Works So Well at Camp
One of the biggest advantages of netball is its flexibility. Camps can easily modify the game to fit different group sizes, schedules, and facilities. It can be played on grass, blacktop, indoor courts, or even divided into multiple small sided games across a single court. Camps can start with simplified rules and gradually introduce full gameplay as campers gain confidence.
The sport also offers a position for every type of athlete. Some players enjoy shooting, others prefer defense, and others thrive on running and passing. Because each role contributes equally, campers who may not always feel central in traditional sports often find success and confidence in netball.
Another major benefit is that netball is naturally inclusive. It can be played coed, supports mixed ability participation, and emphasizes teamwork over individual dominance. These qualities make it particularly valuable for camp environments that focus on community building and positive group dynamics.
Equipment and Training Support for Camps
Netball America has created equipment packages specifically designed for schools and camps. Starter kits provide balls, position bibs, and training resources, while full sets include official posts as well. Camps without posts can still begin using basketball hoops, hula hoops, or other creative solutions while learning the game.
Each equipment package also includes access to coaching education resources, allowing staff to quickly learn the rules, teaching progressions, and practice activities. In addition, Netball America has developed the Netball Sprouts activity book, which provides engaging skill based games that introduce fundamentals such as passing, pivoting, and movement in fun, age appropriate ways.
A Perfect Fit for Today’s Camp Programs
Many campers already have transferable skills from sports like basketball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and handball, making the learning curve surprisingly quick. Introducing a new sport that feels familiar yet exciting keeps older campers engaged while providing younger campers a fun entry point into team athletics.
As camps continue expanding global programming and welcoming international staff, netball offers a meaningful way to celebrate cultural exchange while adding a dynamic new activity to the schedule. With adaptable rules, minimal equipment needs, and strong organizational support, netball is positioned to become a standout addition to camp sports programs across the United States.
Camps interested in bringing netball to their programs can explore starter and full equipment options through the Camp Shopping Channel and begin training staff ahead of the summer season. With the right introduction, netball can quickly become a camper favorite and a powerful new tool for teamwork, inclusion, and active play.
