For many players, the Aware Super Social Masters and Masters State Titles are about far more than what happens on the court.
Of course, trophies are won, titles are defended and rivalries are renewed. But for the hundreds of participants preparing to descend on Wollongong next weekend, the annual Masters celebration is just as much about friendships, shared memories and reconnecting with teammates who have become lifelong friends through netball.
That spirit has helped drive record participation across the 2026 Aware Super Social Masters and Masters State Titles, with 93 teams and approximately 900 participants set to descend on Wollongong for a weekend celebrating competition, connection and community.
Netball NSW General Manager Competitions Stacy Harding said the record participation numbers highlight the enduring appeal of Masters netball.
"To see 93 teams and approximately 900 participants registered across the Aware Super Social Masters and Masters State Titles this year is incredibly exciting."
"The growth of the event reflects what makes Masters netball so special. It's a unique combination of competition, friendship and connection, bringing together players who have shared decades in the game as well as those experiencing Masters for the first time."
Among those returning are defending Aware Super Social Masters champions Remix, who will arrive in Wollongong chasing a remarkable fifth consecutive title. While this group embraces everything the event is known for, from friendship and connection to a weekend away with teammates, the competitive fire still burns brightly.
The team first entered Social Masters in Wagga Wagga in 2022 under the name Drunken Masters, before rebranding as Remix the following year. Since then, they have built an extraordinary record, winning every Aware Super Social Masters competition they've entered without suffering a single defeat.
"It's like a girls' weekend away with a touch of netball. The netball is the excuse to get everyone together," team member Catherine Dall said.
Dall said the weekend remains one of the highlights of the year, giving teammates the opportunity to reconnect while also catching up with familiar faces from across the state.
"We just enjoy being away, being with each other, having our netball, having a glass of wine and some cheese at the end of the day."
"We get a good opportunity to see people from other associations that we wouldn't normally see. We get to catch up with them over the weekend."
For Dall, the continued growth of the competition to record-breaking levels in 2026 is unsurprising.
"It's a good opportunity for everyone to come together for a weekend away."
While Remix will defend its Social Masters crown of four years, Eastwood Ryde will enter the Masters State Titles with their sights set on a fourth consecutive championship.
Captain Emily Keenan said the team's success has always been built on connection.
"The core of our team has played together for a very long time so we have a strong bond on and off the court. We have some very good individual players but it's our strong connection that I think has been key for us. We often know what each other is going to do before they do it."
That connection stretches back more than 15 years, when many members of the side played State League together under former coach Anita Keelan.
"She really set the standard in terms of what it takes to be good players, but more importantly good people and teammates. Happy people make great netballers. It's this culture that has carried us through all those years."
For Keenan, those friendships are ultimately what keep players returning year after year.
"The joy of playing netty with your best mates! We all have families and lead busy day-to-day lives so the weekend away is a total escape, where we can laugh and actually focus on each other and the sport we love."
The weekend will also feature several familiar faces from the elite game, including former NSW Swifts representative Bec Bulley, former Australian Diamond Mo'onia Gerard and NSW Swifts assistant coach Jo Harten, highlighting the enduring appeal of Masters netball for players at every level of the game. NSW Swifts and England Roses star Helen Housby will also be involved, hosting social media content and connecting with participants.
Aware Super Chief Executive Officer Deanne Stewart said the event reflects the important role community sport plays in helping people stay active and connected.
"The Aware Super Social Masters is a celebration of everything that's great about community sport: friendship, connection, fun and staying active. Whether you're playing, volunteering or supporting from the sidelines, it's a reminder that there are always opportunities to embrace new experiences and keep doing the things you love."
With record participation numbers, defending champions chasing history and familiar faces from the NSW Swifts set to be involved, there's no shortage of storylines heading into one of the biggest Masters weekends on the Netball NSW calendar.
The Aware Super Social Masters and Masters State Titles will be held on 17-18 October at the Illawarra Sports & Community Precinct in Wollongong, with matches taking place across both the Illawarra District Netball Association courts and Illawarra Sports Stadium.
