Netball NSW is delighted to officially announce the HeartKids Cup as the official pre-season competition for the organisation’s 2025 Premier League.
The event will see all 10 Netball NSW Premier League franchises competing for the HeartKids Cup at Sydney Olympic Park’s Netball Central from Saturday to Sunday, 1-2 March.
As well as the Opens and 23 Under athletes taking the court, there will also be a Celebrity Charity Match with some of the biggest names in NSW and Australian netball raising money for HeartKids.
HeartKids have a long history with Netball NSW. The HeartKids Cup has run since 2012 with the competition traditionally taking place in Orange in the West/Central West region of the State.
The Netball NSW Premier League is the pinnacle pathway competition in the State, showcasing the best current and emerging talent. It offers a local, sub-elite platform for players, coaches, officials and administrators, providing bridging opportunities to the high-performance pathway and, subsequently, Suncorp Super Netball
The HeartKids Cup was founded by Netball NSW Performance and Pathways General Manager Mardi Aplin whose son Carter was born with the rare and complex heart condition Truncus Arteriosus.
Over the course of 10 surgeries, including many open-heart procedures, the Aplin family frequently travelled from Orange to Sydney for treatment and wanted to bring attention to the financial and emotional challenges faced by many other families in similar situations.
In 2012, Aplin channelled her passion for netball and her family's journey into a meaningful initiative to raise awareness and funds, leading to the creation of the Cup, which has raised thousands since its foundation.
The inaugural Cup featured a match between Orange and Baulkham Hills, and over the years the tournament has grown significantly.
However, 2025 is the first year that it will partner with the Premier League.
HeartKids CEO Marcus Sandmann said:
“HeartKids provides lifelong support to children, teens, and adults impacted by childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD), and their families. Through vital programs, resources, advocacy, and support, we work to improve the lives of those living with CoHD and reduce the impact felt by families across Australia.
“We are incredibly grateful for the partnership with Netball NSW and the HeartKids Cup, which has been instrumental in helping raise awareness of CoHD within the wider community.
“Through these events Netball NSW has not only amplified the HeartKids message but also inspired action among their players, supporters, and broader networks. Their involvement has helped shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by families impacted by CoHD, while fostering greater understanding and support.
“We deeply appreciate the ongoing support of Netball NSW and look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration to bring hope and support to those who need it most.”
