A new all-boys netball competition has launched in Nambour, Queensland, marking a significant development in the sport for young male players. The Nambour and Districts Netball Association initiated this competition for boys aged 10 to 16, making it one of the few in Queensland focused on this age group. The eight-week season aims to provide boys with their first experience competing against peers, fostering confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.

Among the participants are brothers Benjamin and Joseph Jeffers, who are joined by their younger brother Harrison, eager to join in the future. The Jeffers family has dedicated years to traveling for weekend matches, often being the only boys on the court. "Finally having a boys' comp is so good," Benjamin said. He expressed that while playing with girls is enjoyable, he often holds back to avoid hurting them. "With boys, there are no issues. It pushes me to play even better."

Benjamin described netball as fun and fast, expressing hope for more competitions and even a men's Olympic team in the future.

Tracey Mitchell, president of the Nambour Association, emphasized the importance of this new competition for younger players who have outgrown mixed teams but are not yet ready for senior leagues. "We already accept male players up to 18 if they're still at school," she noted, highlighting the lack of similar pathways at many associations.

Interest in boys' netball surged earlier this year when Netball Queensland held clinics, attracting families from Gympie and Hervey Bay. "There are families willing to drive every Sunday for the competition," Mitchell said. "It's very exciting to help kids keep their passion for netball alive."

Mitchell also observed a dynamic shift when boys play, noting, "Netball is the most contact non-contact sport ever. The boys are faster, they jump higher, they're bouncier. It pushes the girls to step up — they see it as a challenge and it makes everyone a better player."

At the elite level, Darren Gillespie, president of Queensland Suns, stated that programs like this help develop athletes who can progress through the M-League and potentially represent Australia. "The inclusion of Sunshine Coast Thunder as a foundation club in the M League has been instrumental in driving the growth of boys' and men's netball across the Sunshine Coast," Gillespie said. He added that regional engagement is crucial for participation and credibility needed for Olympic inclusion.

Netball Queensland aims for the Sunshine Coast model to inspire other regions. General manager Glenn Dennis remarked that the sport is at a pivotal stage. "We think netball is the best sport in the world, so we support initiatives that create more opportunities for the whole community to get involved," he said. Dennis believes that building boys' programs from the grassroots level is essential for the sport's future.

Netball Australia CEO Stacey West welcomed the Sunshine Coast Men's Competition, noting that men's netball is the fastest-growing segment of the sport. "Participation is surging nationwide, especially in New South Wales," she said. The Kelpies, Australia's men's team, are currently ranked number one in the world, contributing to the sport's inclusivity by challenging old stereotypes. Recently, former elite women's coach Jane Woodlands-Thompson was appointed head coach of the Kelpies, leading the national side to the first World Netball-endorsed men's World Cup in 2028.