FutureFERNS Netball

​​​​​​​FutureFERNS is Netball New Zealand’s official junior development program, designed to introduce young players to the game in a fun and supportive environment. The program provides a structured, age-appropriate pathway for children from Year 1 to Year 6, helping them build confidence, develop fundamental skills, and foster a lifelong love for netball. By using modified game formats suited to different age groups, futureFERNS ensures that players learn at a pace that matches their physical and cognitive development.

At Whangarei Netball Centre, we are committed to delivering the futureFERNS program to give all young players the best start in their netball journey. The program focuses on participation, skill development, and enjoyment, gradually progressing from small-sided games in the early years to the full 7-a-side format for older players. Through this approach, we aim to provide a positive experience for all participants, ensuring they have the opportunity to develop, grow, and enjoy netball in a supportive environment.


This page includes everything you need to know about FutureFERNS, from Year 1 through to Year 8, including game formats, rules, and key information for each age group. ​​​​​​​

Year 1+2 ​​​​​​​

Game Day Thursdays

  • 15 minute skill session followed by a game
  • 4v4
  • No set positions
  • Maximum of 8 per team
  • Rolling subs
  • 2x 8min halves
  • Equal game time
  • Played across 1/3 of a netball court
  • 20cm textured playground ball
  • Hula hoop or Goal post 2.10m high
  • Coach or parent helper each week
  • No whistle, support play
  • ​​​​​​​No scores recorded
  • Excellent for first time coaches to learn in a
  • supportive environment

Year 3+4 ​​​​​​​

Game Day Thursdays​​​​​​​

  • 20 minute skill session followed by a game
  • 5v5 
  • 2x attack, 1x centre, 2x defence​​​​​​​ rotate, play all positions
  • Recommend 7 players per team
  • Rolling subs
  • 4x 8 minute quarters
  • ​​​​​​​Equal game time
  • Played across 2/3 of a netball court
  • Size 4 netball
  • Goal post 2.6m high
  • Coach or parent helper each week
  • ​​​​​​​No whistle, support play
  • ​​​​​​​No scores recorded



Year 5+6 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Game Day Saturdays 

As per the draw 

  • 6v6
  • ​​​​​​​2x attack, 2x centre, 2x defence ​​​​​​​rotate, play all positions
  • Recommend 8 players per team
  • Rolling subs
  • ​​​​​​​4x10 minute quarters
  • ​​​​​​​Min 1/2 game policy
  • Played on a full-size netball court
  • Size 4 netball
  • Goal post 2.6m high
  • Umpire controlled - modified rules
  • Whistle
  • ​​​​​​​No results tables





Year 7+8

Game day Saturday

  • 15 minute time on court for warm up followed by a game
  • 7v7
  • GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD, GK - rotate variety of positions
  • Recommend 10 players per team
  • Game breaks or injuries
  • ​​​​​​​4x 10min quarters
  • ​​​​​​​Min 1/2 game policy
  • Played on a full-size netball court
  • Size 5 netball
  • Goal post 3.05m high
  • Umpire controlled
  • Whistle
  • ​​​​​​​Scores taken for competition points table​​​​​​​​​​​​​

SMART Player Development Programme

Player Development Programme (PDP) is an extension programme for Year 7 & 8's. It focuses on technical and tactical elements of netball, athlete development (sleep, nutrition, social media) and fundamental movement skills. This programme provides more opportunities for more players to participate and development to develop a life long love of netball.

PLAYER OF THE DAY CERTIFICATES

FutureFERN Player of the Day certificates are a fun way to celebrate and encourage our young players each week. 

NetballSmart Resources 

If you have any questions - Please contact:

KEY INFORMATION

Registrations & Forms

Registrations for Teams for 2026 are open 

New schools please contact Kelly on admin@whangareinetball.co.nz​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

BOYS IN NETBALL 

All boys Year 1 to Year 8, (11 years & under), are entitled to participate in netball under Part VII – Integrity Regulations, 3.5 of the NNZ Regulations.