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Netball was introduced to the island in the late 1940’s by the English colonists, and is the game most widely played by females.
The Barbados Netball Association (BNA) is the body responsible for the organisation and administration of the sport in Barbados. 37 clubs and two Leagues are affiliated to the Association. These are the Barbados Workers Union League and the Barbados Secondary Schools League (BSSL).
The sport is played in all 22 Secondary Schools in the island. The schools’ competitions are played annually, in under 13, under 15 and under 19 categories during September to December. This is organized by the Barbados Secondary Schools League.
At the Primary School level, the National Sports Council is the entity which coaches and organizes the game. All the primary schools throughout the island are involved with players between the ages of 7 and 11 taking part in the sport.
At the club level, players participate in ten divisions in ages ranging 11 to 60. Club netball is played principally at the Netball Stadium in Waterford, St. Michael. This facility houses three hard courts and seats 1000 spectators. It is here that netball is played at its best.
Barbados has one international indoor facility, the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium and it is here that the AFNA World qualifiers were held in 2006.
Netball hardcourts are located throughout the 11 parishes of the island and the Barbados Netball Association utilizes these courts from time to time.
In 2007, more netball was played in the communities. This will continue in 2008 as the Netball stadium is expected to be completely refurbished.
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