Year Groups

Woolworths futureFERNS offers four different year groups for our junior Netball programme.

Woolworths futureFERNS progresses players though modified formats of Netball that recognises their stage of physical and mental development. The aim is not only to grow their Netball abilities but also to help with their overall physical literacy which includes confidence, motivation, knowledge and understanding and physical competence.

  Download Player of the Day Certificate

year1

Introduces Netball to 5-6 year olds. The aim is to develop fundamental movement and basic Netball skills. Playing 4 v 4 allows the players to pass, catch and shoot from day one.

year3

Year 3 & 4 is designed to be fast and fun, maximising participation and touches of the ball. With modified equipment and less players on the court, in 5 v 5 the game is less complicated.

year5

The 6 v 6 game is fast and provides players with lots of touches on the ball to enhance skill development and enjoyment. With only three positions on court it means the game is less complicated for children and easier for coaches to ensure the players learn the skills relevant to all and to provide them with equal opportunities.

year7

Players have developed a considerable understanding of the game and are now playing 7 v 7. The emphasis is on converting fundamental movement and basic Netball skills to foundation Netball skills. Performance, challenge and playing are key motives for this age group. Ensuring positional rotation and playing at least half a game will give each player the opportunity to participate and develop.

year7

Player Development Programme (PDP)

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.

Year 1 & 2

Research

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Why have the rules, game and equipment been modified?

Sport for young people ought to be modified to suit their age, size and ability as children are not mini adults. Netball has been modified since the 1900’s and as we learn more from reviews, research and other sports, further adaptions have been made to ensure the game meets the needs of the players and grows as the players grow.

Woolworths futureFERNS aims to provide the players a fun and safe environment, maximise opportunities to participate. The programme encourages the development their skills and provides a progressive introduction to Netball, developing a lifelong love of the game.

The Woolworths futureFERNS programme, catering to primary and intermediate-aged children, was selected for our first customer experience project. These children play modified sport formats to enjoy more fun, passes, play, and shots, with a strong focus on skill development. Our goal is to increase participation in junior Netball by enriching the experience for all involved, strengthening relationships, streamlining processes, and leveraging technology. Our first design sprint, part of our customer experience strategy, focused on enhancing the Woolworths futureFERNS programme.

Sprint Summary and Roadmap

Get Involved

get involved 2019

Anyone can coach an Woolworths futureFERNS team! We encourage all parents and guardians to get involved with this family fun programme.

Play Netball

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get involved?

We would love to see our parents and guardians involved in Woolworths futureFERNS and have a few roles for you to share this Netball experience with your children.

Who can participate in Woolworths futureFERNS?

Children who are aged five years and over. Boys up until the age of 12.

Who runs the Woolworths futureFERNS programme?

The programme is being delivered by endorsed Woolworths futureFERNS providers. These are usually our Netball Centres but the programme can also be run by satellite endorsed providers.

How long does the programme run for?

NNZ recommends the programme runs for a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of 10 weeks for Year 1 – 4 players. 10 session plans which offer a different skill each week are provided for Year 5 – 8. Contact your local Netball Centre for more information.

How do we sign up for Woolworths futureFERNS?

Please contact your local Netball Centre or click the PLAY button on our website to find your nearest Netball Centre. If you are still unsure, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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