Swap the carpools for cappuccinos and the sidelines for centre passes – the Aware Super Social Masters is back! On 11–12 October 2025 in the Illawarra, two days of netball, music, mischief and memories await. It’s all about lipstick and lobs, mascaras & muscles – playing hard, recovering harder, and having a laugh every step of the way.
It’s one of the most entertaining weekends on the Netball NSW calendar, drawing 60 teams from across the state, aged between 35 and 65, for a tournament that’s part sport, part social club, and part fancy dress party.
With divisions in Over 35s and Over 40s, teams are graded to keep it competitive – but make no mistake, the fun doesn’t stop when the final whistle blows. From lunchtime trivia and dance-offs to the legendary Saturday night social function, this year themed “Back to School” at the University of Wollongong’s UniBar, the social masters is as much about friendship as it is about fast breaks.
For the first time, Aware Super is the presenting partner of the Social Masters. Todd Stevenson, General Manger Brand Marketing and Digital, says Aware Super is “proud to support an event that is “so much more than a netball competition.”
“At Aware Super, we believe being super helpful goes beyond super, retirement and advice — it’s about being part of something bigger. The Social Masters is a celebration of stories, laughter and friendships that will never retire. Here’s to making memories that last long after the final whistle.”
Two teams sure to capture the spotlight are local team the Illawarra Flames and Birrong “Six Over Sixty” from Bankstown.
The “Six over Sixty” (SOS) from Birrong have been lighting up the Social Masters since 2013 and are true icons of the event. With most players over 60 – the eldest proudly 65 – they’re the veterans of the competition, carrying with them decades of family ties, friendships and plenty of court-time memories.
“We’ve been through it all together – babies, careers, grandkids – and it’s still netball that brings us back,” said Team Manager Leah Lewis. “We might not be the quickest team out there, but we’re fit, we love a laugh, and we know how to have a good time.”
This year, the team is making a weekend of it, bunking in together at a house in Shellharbour– sharing meals, massages for those tired muscles, and just as many stories as goals.
The SOS might skip the official social night these days, but they’ve found their own rituals – trading the dance floor for the pool, recovery sessions and plenty of red frogs.
“We’re too old for the late nights now,” Leah joked. “But we still love our red frogs – and yes, we’ve even used them for the coin toss. Belly up, belly down – it’s tradition.”
The Illawarra Flames are the homegrown heroes of the Social Masters, bringing both skill and sparkle to the court. While they’re competitive in the State Masters, the Flames also know how to turn the Social Masters into a weekend of laughter, friendship and a little bit of cheeky chaos.
“Playing in front of our home crowd is the best feeling – it gives us a lift on court and makes the whole weekend even more special,” said Flames captain Sarah Thompson. “We’re serious when we need to be, but we also know how to enjoy ourselves off the court. Netball is our excuse to catch up, dance a little, and share some stories over a good meal.”
This year, the Flames are soaking up the full Masters experience – from fast-paced matches to themed social shenanigans at the Saturday night function. They’ll be flaunting their Back to School outfits, taking part in trivia and dance-offs, and generally making sure the Illawarra crowd is entertained every step of the way.
“We take our netball seriously, but we also take our fun seriously,” Sarah laughed. “Whether it’s a clever play on court or a ridiculous hat at the social night, we’re here to make memories as much as goals.”
Whether you’re a seasoned shooter, a dancing queen at the Saturday night function, or both, the Aware Super Social Masters is your passport to the most fun weekend in netball.
Event Details
11–12 October 2025
Illawarra Netball Association – Indoor Sports Centre
Frances Cordaro, Netball NSW
