For many Kiwi kids, playing netball is a rite of passage, but disabled tamariki and rangatahi have often been left on the sidelines. No Limits Netball is changing all that. 

Recognising the lack of opportunities for disabled young people, Netball New Zealand launched No Limits Netball with support from Sport NZ’s Disability Inclusion Fund. This programme is breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to play.

No Limits Netball is now in 15 netball centres across Aotearoa, providing inclusive resources and supporting centres to adapt activities and create welcoming, enjoyable experiences. The programme is flexible and locally led, with each centre tailoring the programme for their community. 

Lucia playing netball at the Wellington centre's 'have a go' ball skills day

Leading the way

Netball Wellington is a standout example of a centre that has integrated No Limits Netball. Through festivals, social competitions and events, it has welcomed 300 regular participants, creating a fun, non-competitive environment that’s open to everyone.

Fourteen-year-old Lucia, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, is one of the many young players benefitting from the programme. As a regular participant at the Wellington centre, Lucia says netball is one of her favourite sports – she loves being part of a team.

“One of my favourite memories is when I played in the Year 5/6 team and I had a really good coach. Everyone passed me the ball, and I was included the same as everyone else. I really want other kids with disabilities to play in the mainstream teams and be included,” says Lucia. 
Collaboration a key to success

Netball New Zealand Programme Manager Irene van Dyk says the programme’s success is due to regular collaboration with both the disability sports sector and the wider netball community.

“Every month, we jump on calls with the centres to share ideas and discuss what’s working well and what could be improved. Some great conversations happen with people learning new and exciting ways to do things,” says van Dyk. 

The heart of the programme

Gabrielle Wright, a Netball New Zealand Youth Board member and wheelchair user, has been a key driver behind No Limits Netball. Wright grew up playing netball until she became paralysed at 12 years old from a condition called Transverse Myelitis. Her passion for the sport remained, and she began looking for ways to get back involved. 

She started by managing teams and umpiring, until her mum encouraged her to play again. Wright quickly became known for playing netball in a wheelchair, and it wasn’t long before Netball New Zealand asked her to be on their Youth Board and help shape No Limits Netball.

“Netball New Zealand was committed to making sure the programme was meaningful and informed by lived experience. I got to have input the whole way through,” says Wright. 

She says it’s vital that disabled people have the chance to take part. 

“No Limits Netball is a great way for young disabled people to feel a part of something and feel like a normal kid who can go out there and play on a Saturday morning, just like all their friends.” 

Looking ahead

Wright says she’s noticed a big shift in how netball centres are approaching the programme, with many now wanting to get involved. 

“Lots of centres are keen to include No Limits Netball in their programmes, which is fantastic. They just need some support to understand how to do it,” says Wright.

As No Limits Netball continues to grow, van Dyk hopes to see the programme expand and provide more opportunities for disabled tamariki and rangatahi. With 79 centres in New Zealand, she envisions that half could eventually run the programme. 

“It would be incredible to see the programme continue to grow and to give those players opportunities to experience what netball feels like,” says van Dyk.