2026 Representative Program Information
Ariels VCNA has a rich heritage in Representative Netball, dedicated to cultivating athletes, coaches, and umpires through specialised training and comprehensive development programs. Our supportive environment empowers individuals to achieve their full potential and creates pathways for their netball journey. Click here for the Ariels Player Handbook.
Benefits of Representative Netball
Representative netball provides an opportunity to further develop and hone players’ netball skills and provides a pathway where players can aspire to play at elite levels. Playing a higher level of sport also develops strong personal and team discipline. Playing representative netball for Ariels is an honour and comes with a higher level of player and parent commitment.
Program Structure
Trial Schedule:
Trials are held in October for the following year’s teams. Training commences in December, with a team-building camp hosted in late January or early February each year. Click the button below for further trial information and to register.
Training & Game Schedule:
In 2026, training will be held at Maroondah Nets in Heathmont on Monday evenings and Wednesday evenings, depending on the age group. Training is compulsory.
Games are played at Waverley Netball Centre between February and November. Players also participate in tournaments hosted by our association, other associations.
| Team | Birth Year | To Play | To Train | Tournaments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11&U x 2 | 2015-2017 | Waverley, Monday Spring Season Only | Wednesdays | 8-10 |
| 13&U x 3 | 2013-2014 | Waverley, Thursdays | Mondays | 5 |
| 15&U x 3 | 2011-2012 | Waverley, Thursdays | Mondays | 4 |
| 17&U x 2 | 2009-2010 | Waverley, Wednesdays | Mondays | 3 |
| 19&U x 1 | 2007-2010 | Waverley, Fridays | Mondays | 1 |
| 23&U x 1 | 2003-2009 | Waverley, Tuesdays | Mondays | 1 |
There is no training on public holidays, or during school holidays.
Tournaments:
All teams will participate in the Ariels tournament held in March each year. Each team will also participate in a number of other tournaments, age group dependent.
In addition, selected 13&U, 15&U and 17&U athletes will be invited to attend Association Championships.
Mildura Netball Carnival (additional cost) is a two day competition held over a weekend in September. Ariels usually enter 13&U, 15&U, 17&U and open age teams. All athletes in these age groups are invited to submit an EOI form to attend.
Athlete Injury & Illness:
Sick players must not attend training, but the coach must be advised as early as possible.
Injured players must attend training, games and any tournaments their team is participating in – you will learn from watching and listening and may be able to assist your coach. It is also important for your welfare, team morale and development to remain involved.
A Medical Certificate clearing you to train must be provided to the Coach before you can actively train and you must fully train at least once before you can play in a game.
Non-attendance at training will affect court time.
Ariels Commitment to Players
Ariels aims to be not just a netball association, but ‘one club, one community’. We want everyone connected to and involved with Ariels – players, parents/carers, coaches, team officials, umpires and other supporters – to feel like they belong, count and are valued.
Consequently, our activities and operations, as well as our netball programs, focus on developing people, players and teams in line with our four values:
| Personal Development | Teamwork |
|---|---|
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| Empowerment | Innovation |
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Player Commitment to Ariels
Player Expectations:
- A commitment to Ariels and your team mates for the whole year
- A desire to develop and improve as a person and netballer and preparedness to challenge yourself
- Attend all training sessions and maintain your fitness
- Be on time for training, pre-game warm-ups and team activities
- Be supportive and encourage your team mates and positively contribute to your team
- Be respectful and supportive of your coach/es and team manager
- Be respectful of the umpires and their decisions and your opponents
- Wear correct uniform to games and training
- Adhere to Ariels Player Code of Behaviour
Parent/Carer or Partner Expectations:
- Support and encourage your player
- Be respectful and supportive of your player’s coach/es and team manager
- Be respectful and encouraging of your player’s team mates
- Be respectful of the umpires and their decisions and the opposition
- Support and assist with Ariels activities and events, through volunteering or as requested/rostered by the Team Manager
- Adhere to Ariels Parent/Carer/Guardian and Spectator Codes of Behaviour
Fees
Ariels acceptance fee is non-refundable and secures your/your player’s place in our representative netball program. Following acceptance, the balance of Ariels fees can be paid upfront (to obtain a small discount) or in a further three non-refundable instalments. Click here for the 2026 Fee Schedule.
Fees cover:
- Competition, game and umpire fees for both competition seasons and all tournaments
- Facility hire and equipment for all training and specialist sessions
- Coaching and specialists skills sessions
- Pre-season camp in January/February (accommodation, meals and activities)
Netball Victoria membership (NVM) is compulsory for all Ariels athletes.
Uniform
| Playing Uniform | Training Uniform |
|---|---|
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Volunteering
Ariels VCNA is a not-for-profit sports association run for the benefit of players wishing to further their netball, so Ariels relies on the support and input of players’ families and friends to operate and continue to run effectively.
To help spread the workload we would love you or a family member to volunteer some time, skills and expertise in even some small way.
Volunteer to be on our Committee, fulfil a volunteer role or just help with an event. Some roles require small groups of volunteers to work together – a great way to meet new people or learn some new skills – while other tasks can be done individually from home or online.
Please consider putting your hand up to help with one or more of these roles:
Committee – President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Operations Director, Events Director, General Committee
Operations – Registrar, Tournament coordinator, Umpire coordinator, Uniform and equipment, Sponsorship, marketing and fundraising, Website and social media management
General – Team Manager
Coach & Team Manager
Coach
If you are interested in coaching one of our teams or would like to work with an existing coach to develop your coaching credentials we would love to hear from you. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Team Manager
Each Ariels team requires a team manager to help coordinate and manage game day operations, such as preparing scoring rosters.
Ariels VCNA Communications & Information
Ariels WhatsApp Community
All Ariels communication, including Team chats occurs with in our WhatsApp community. You can join the Ariels WhatsApp Community via the link below, then select the relevant team chat.
Pathway to Elite Netball
By participating in Ariels VCNA’s Representative Program, players not only enhance their netball skills but also build lasting friendships, develop discipline, and pave the way for future success in the sport. Playing representative netball makes you eligible to participate in Association Championships, where you might be talent-identified, allowing you to received specialist training to further develop your skills. Representative players are encouraged to trial for Zone based teams to play in the annual State Titles carnival. This could lead to opportunities with State Teams or the Victorian Netball League (VNL).