It was game on in Inverell today as more than 280 secondary students from around the region hit the courts for a full day of action in the Netball NSW Schools Cup.
Hosted by Inverell Netball Association, the carnival-style event brought together 28 teams from six schools across the North West region for a packed schedule of matches on Thursday. Fast-paced and inclusive, the Schools Cup delivered a day of sport, teamwork and school pride for students of all abilities.
Among the schools competing were Warialda High, Emmaville Central School, Holy Trinity Secondary, Inverell High, Macintyre High, and Tenterfield High — the latter making the longest trip to participate.
Tenterfield High School teacher Lee-Anne Butler said the event is a highlight for students, especially given the lack of local competition in town.
“We have been going to the Schools Cup for almost 10 years,” Ms Butler said.
“We play netball in sport on a Wednesday, so the students have the skills and get a chance to compete against more experienced players on the day.”
“There is currently no junior netball competition in town so our girls and boys are eager to participate.”
Players ranged from seasoned netballers to those stepping onto a court for the first time, with the competition structured to ensure fun, learning and fair play across all divisions. Five divisions were contested throughout the day, with games consisting of 12-minute halves, a two-minute half-time break and four minutes between rounds to keep play moving.
Top-performing teams in four competitive divisions will progress to the Regional Finals in Tamworth on 10 September.
With games held during school hours and open to all skill levels, the Schools Cup is designed to make netball accessible to as many students as possible. For many, it is their first experience of organised sport — and for schools like Tenterfield, it can be the only one.
Their continued involvement reflects the strength of the competition and its ability to bring communities together through school sport.
The event forms part of the wider Netball NSW Schools Cup, the state’s largest and most inclusive schools-based netball competition, reaching over 25,000 students each year from public, Catholic and independent schools.
“We love welcoming schools from right across the region,” said Trish Crews, Executive General Manager of Communities at Netball NSW.
“It’s great to see so many students trying something new, having fun with their friends, and just being part of something active and positive. That’s what the Schools Cup is all about.”
Running from February to November, the Schools Cup progresses through Local Days, Regional Finals and a State Final, offering students the chance to represent their school and progress along the Netball NSW pathway.
For schools like Tenterfield, where opportunities are limited, the Cup continues to provide a vital platform to build skills, friendships and confidence.
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