Growing the sport of netball in Spain

Netball may still be a little-known sport in Spain, but the Asociación de Netball España (ANE) is determined to change that. Through grassroots promotion, club development and international collaboration, the association is laying the foundations for a national netball community.

Originally developed as a female alternative to basketball in the late 19th century, netball has long been popular in Commonwealth countries. Played by two teams of seven on a rectangular court, the sport focuses on passing, strategy and shooting. It is played by more than 20 million people worldwide.

Netball’s international governing body, World Netball, is campaigning for the sport’s inclusion in future Olympic Games. While it has featured in events such as the Commonwealth Games, gaining Olympic status would represent a major breakthrough. The recent success of netball in France, where participation and visibility are on the rise, is a positive step in that direction.

Growth of netball in Spain

In Spain, growth has been slower, but recent years have seen steady progress. The formation of  Asociación de Netball España is key in supporting this development, helping to establish new clubs, train officials, and introduce the sport to schools and community groups.

“Raising awareness is the first challenge,” said an ANE spokesperson. “Many people in Spain have never heard of netball. But once they try it, they’re hooked.”

Several clubs are now active across the country. Among them is Torre del Mar Netball Club, based on the Costa del Sol. The club trains weekly and regularly takes part in friendly tournaments. Michelle Conner, co-founder and sponsor of the club was keen to start a local team. “I really loved the game at school, and had a taster of it again just before Covid. I met Deborah through netball, and we decided to set up Torre Tormentas. We had our first training session in February 2024 and have been growing the club ever since.

“It’s a great way to get fit, have fun, and meet other people. It’s also a great community asset. We’d love for the sport to grow in Spain, and we’re presenting a dossier to our local ayuntamiento soon regarding cementing the team’s position with an official court.”

Other active clubs include Barcelona Netball Club, Madrid Netball, and Pinoso Netball Club in Alicante. They are open to all experience levels and aim to foster a sense of community as much as competition. Walking netball sessions are also being introduced for older players or those with reduced mobility.

Creating a Spanish netball league

Looking ahead, the association aims to create a formal league, work towards national recognition from Spanish sports authorities, and eventually field a representative team at European competitions.

While the road to Olympic status remains long for the sport, ANE is confident that international cooperation, increased visibility, and a strong local base can help put Spain on the netball map.

President of ANE, Adriana Oria outlines the situation for netball in the country. “Spain was selected for the Expansion Programme in 2023, so we have the support of Netball Europe and World netball to develop the sport here. We are now able to provide umpiring and coaching in-person training within Spanish cities for those who are interested in taking their participation further.

“Netball has so much to offer,” Oria added. “It’s inclusive, exciting and ideal for building teamwork. We believe it has a real future here in Spain.”

How to play netball

For those who played netball at school pre-2010, the sport today is much changed from then. It is no longer a non-contact sport (hurrah from all the GKs and GDs!). There is a lot of contesting off the ball for position. It is also very tactical and fast, particularly at international level.

For those who have never heard of the game, here’s an outline of the rules.

1. Objective of the Game
   Netball is a team sport where the aim is to score goals by passing the ball and shooting it through the opposing team’s net.
2. Teams and Players
   Each team has 7 players on the court, each with a specific position and role. There are also up to 5 substitutes.
3. The Court
   The court is divided into thirds, with a goal circle at each end where only certain players can shoot.
4. Positions and Roles
   Players have restricted areas in which they can move. The positions are Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack (GA), Wing Attack (WA), Centre (C), Wing Defence (WD), Goal Defence (GD) and Goal Keeper (GK).
5. Starting the Game
   The game begins with a centre pass from the Centre circle. Centre passes alternate between teams after each goal.
6. Passing and Movement
   Players pass the ball to each other to move it down the court. You must pass or shoot within three seconds of receiving the ball.
7. Footwork Rule
   Players must not run with the ball or drag their landing foot. Players can pivot, but the landing foot must stay in place. If the landing foot is lifted it cannot be replaced before the ball is released.
8. Scoring Goals
   Only the Goal Shooter and Goal Attack can score, and they must shoot from within the goal circle.
9. Defending and Contact Rules
   Players must stand at least 3 feet (0.9 metres) away when defending a player with the ball and cannot make physical contact when they have the ball.
10. Match Duration and Winning
    A standard game consists of four 15-minute quarters. The team with the most goals at the end wins.

The future of netball in Spain is in our hands

As a player, coach and co-founder of Torre del Mar netball club, I love how the sport has developed over the years. I’m also excited that World Netball is actively working with countries to grow the sport on the ground.

If you’re interested in joining or setting up a netball team in Spain, or qualifying as a coach or umpire, contact Netball España for more information.

Also read: Football camps in Spain