NETBALL season is preparing for the first centre pass on Tamborine Mountain as registrations open for 2026.
With registrations now open and training to resume on 29 January, the club is encouraging junior players to register early as teams for the 11 to 17-year-olds will be graded in the first week of February.
Vice President Ronnie Sommerland said it was a challenging time of year to coordinate, as the sport begins well before winter and shortly after school returns.
“It is a tricky one every year because we are a winter sport, but we start so early,” she said.
“Registrations really need to be in between January 29 and February 5. Unfortunately, sometimes we have to say no to latecomers if teams are full.”
Alongside its junior competition, the club will expand programs for older players with the introduction of walking netball for adults.
The format, which has gained popularity on the Gold Coast, will be trialled on Thursday evenings on the Mountain.
“We’re quite excited about walking netball,” Sommerland said.
“It’s been taking off on the Coast and now we’ll have it up here.”
The club will also continue its mixed social competition on Wednesday nights for players aged 13 and over.
Tamborine Mountain Netball operates entirely on volunteer support and is seeking additional coaches and helpers for 2026.
“It’s 100 per cent volunteer-run,” Ronnie said.
“Like any junior sport, you need those volunteers, whether it’s coaching, fundraising or helping maintain the courts.”
Free coaching courses are offered through Hinterland District Netball Association, and Sommerland said the club also covered accreditation costs for those willing to assist.
Netball remains one of Australia’s largest female participation sports, but boys are increasingly involved, helping to build confidence and friendships for young players.
“It’s wonderful to see the kids out there forming those bonds,” she said.
“Our club is very much about enjoyment for all players.”
Play On vouchers, which are a $200 dollar Queensland Government voucher for sports, will be released on 29 January and are accepted by the club.
“It used to be means-tested, but now everyone is eligible,” Sommerland said.
“It makes a big difference for families.”
Tamborine Mountain will also host the Scenic Rim Challenge Carnival in May, with clubs from Fassifern, Beaudesert and Beechmont expected to attend.
