Warrnambool City Netball bringing back comps later this month

The state government's five-day coronavirus lockdown means indoor sport is off-limits until Thursday.

Administrator Marg Morgan said WCNA would get started unless advised otherwise by the government or Warrnambool City Council.

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The association is setting itself for a big 2021 after a quiet spell since the pandemic started in March last year.

"The only netball we've physically had was the six-week Christmas Cup at the end of the year," Morgan said.

The administrator said the group had received a $7500 grant as part of Netball Victoria's Small Grants Program.

"We can use it any way we like to foster and develop participation and get people involved," she said.

Morgan said some of the money was going towards updating WCNA's IT resources.

Registration for all programs and competitions is moving online - mixed netball registration had been the only one online until now.

Morgan said it was also appropriate timing given the need to social distance and trace during the pandemic.

She added money was also likely to go to the association's new 18 and under girls competition and to developing umpires.

The netball action will get started with the NetSetGo beginner program for those aged 7-9 on Monday, February 22.

Morgan said more than 25 youngsters were already signed up.

Tuesday night of that week will see junior competition return to the stadium on Caramut Road.

The competitions, which essentially cater for players 16 and under, are split into divisions rather than age groups - Open, A1 and A2.

Juniors will be followed by the return of women's competition and the new 18 and under division.

Morgan explained WCNA had introduced 18 and under as a stepping stone between juniors and senior women's competition.

Wednesday nights will also be a junior night for those about 9-12 years.

Again its divisions rather than age groups with Modified, B1 and B2.

And mixed netball is making a comeback on Wednesdays with Morgan confirming one new team had already registered.

Walking netball - played at walking pace - will be on Thursday nights from 6.30pm.

Morgan said WCNA was also liaising with Netball Vic to try and have an intermediate coaching accreditation course held in Warrnambool.

She said south-west participants usually had to go to Melbourne to do the course.

Registration forms for junior and senior competitions can be accessed via WCNA's Facebook page.