For Acacia Elers, the Koori Netball Tournament represents a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect and simply enjoy the game she loves.
The Mayfield local recently earned selection in the Black Swans program and is continuing her rise through the representative ranks, but each year, one tournament stands apart from the rest.
This weekend, communities from across New South Wales will again gather in Charlestown for the 27th Koori Netball Tournament, a celebration of netball, culture and connection that has become a fixture on the First Nations sporting calendar. Delivered by Charlestown Netball Association with support from Netball NSW and the NSW Office of Sport, the tournament has grown from eight senior women's teams in 1999 to become one of the state's largest First Nations netball events.
For Elers, the tournament's significance extends well beyond the netball court.
It's the chance to reconnect with family, community and culture that keeps her coming back.
Unlike other competitions throughout the year, the Koori Tournament provides a chance to reconnect with family members she rarely sees and spend time with the people who first introduced her to the game.
"I don't really see most of my family, so when Koori Knockout is around the corner, I get super excited to see all of my family and get to play with the girls again and just have fun," she said.
The atmosphere is a welcome change from the demands of high-performance netball.
With representative commitments requiring athletes to maintain professional standards both on and off the court, Elers values the opportunity to return to an environment built around community, culture and enjoyment.
"It's good to get back into the fun netball and get out on court with the girls."
That connection to family has shaped her entire netball journey.
From a young age, Elers regularly played alongside older relatives, often competing above her age group while learning from cousins who had already progressed through representative pathways.
Their influence helped prepare her for the physical and mental challenges that would come with higher-level netball.
"I grew up playing netball with my family. I was always playing two ages up," Elers said.
"Being around the older girls all the time has definitely prepared me a lot more for the physicality and the mental game that comes with netball."
The lessons learned during those years ultimately helped Elers achieve one of her biggest goals this season.
After narrowly missing selection the previous year, she earned a place in the Black Swans program, a reward for months of hard work and determination.
The achievement carried special significance, not only because of what it represented professionally, but because of the people who had supported her throughout the journey.
"The first person I told was my mum, and we both started crying on the phone because she knew that was something I was definitely working hard for."
"I was so over the moon and so blessed and grateful."
While representative opportunities continue to open new doors, Elers believes events such as the Koori Tournament remain vital for the next generation of First Nations netballers.
The tournament provides a unique environment where players can connect with competitors from different communities, build friendships and gain exposure to opportunities that may help shape their future in the sport.
"I'm proof that if you put your mind to it and do the hard work, you can definitely make it. There are so many pathways available," she said.
"This weekend is great because you get to play against girls from all over Australia, make new friends and new connections."
As the 27th Koori Netball Tournament approaches, Elers is looking forward to representing her sister's team, reconnecting with family and embracing the atmosphere that has kept communities returning to Charlestown for more than a quarter of a century.
And while there will be plenty of talent on display throughout the weekend, for Elers, the tournament's greatest strength isn't measured on the scoreboard.
It's measured by the people who come together each year to celebrate culture, community and a shared love of netball.
About the Koori Netball Tournament
The Koori Netball Tournament began in 1999 with eight senior women's teams and has grown into one of the largest First Nations netball events in New South Wales. The tournament brings together players, families and supporters from communities across the state and continues to be a celebration of netball, culture and connection. It is delivered by Charlestown Netball Association with support from Netball NSW and the NSW Office of Sport.
Tournament Details
Dates: 24-25 October 2026
Venue: Charlestown Netball Complex
Opening Ceremony: 8:15am, Saturday
Competition: Saturday following the Opening Ceremony; Sunday from 8:00am
Finals: Sunday, 12:30pm-2:30pm
Presentations: Following the completion of finals
