Netball’s premier national competition for women with an intellectual disability, the Marie Little Shield, will be hosted in Melbourne in 2026.
This year’s competition will be contested at Thornbury’s Narrandjeri Stadium from 4–6 September, in partnership with Visit Victoria.
Named after Sport Inclusion Australia founder Marie Little OAM – an inspiring netballer and administrator who was instrumental in changing the sporting landscape for people with a disability – the tournament has provided female athletes with an intellectual disability the chance to compete at a national level since its inception in 2013.
Since 2024 the Marie Little Shield has featured teams from every state and territory, competing in a round-robin format to earn the title of national champions.
New South Wales will enter this year’s tournament as reigning back-to-back champions, having claimed gold in Brisbane in 2024 and 2025.
Netball Australia CEO Stacey West said the tournament showcases netball’s commitment to ensuring the sport is inclusive and accessible to all.
“The Marie Little Shield keeps building momentum, and highlights how important it is to create meaningful opportunities for athletes of all abilities,” West said.
“Our sport is for everyone, that’s part of the fabric of netball, and events like the Marie Little Shield are one of the ways we can foster a more inclusive and diverse netball community at every level.
“The skill and pride on display from these athletes each year is inspiring – it really captures how powerful sport can be when everyone feels they belong.”
Netball Australia
