Netball NSW Announces Emerging Talent Teams for 2025

Netball NSW is proud to unveil the 2025 Emerging Talent Program squads, featuring 36 rising stars across three teams – Metro, Regional, and First Nations – as part of its commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and future-focused athlete pathway. 

Each team includes 12 athletes who have been identified through a combination of state team trials, Senior State Titles, and Regional Academies of Sport. The program is a critical stepping stone toward Netball NSW’s underage state teams, helping to prepare athletes for future representative honours. 

“This is a true development program, designed not only to give athletes exposure to high-performance netball environments, but also to support emerging coaches as they progress through our pathway,” said Mardi Aplin, General Manager – Performance and Pathways. 

“For many athletes, the Emerging Talent Program is their first taste of what it means to be part of a performance-focused team, and it's a crucial part of our long-term success at the state and national level.” 

The Emerging Talent Program is delivered in a high-performance environment that mirrors the standards of Netball NSW’s elite pathway. Athletes come together as one training cohort, where they participate in off-court education sessions covering performance analysis, high-performance behaviours, recovery, nutrition, and injury prevention. With physiotherapy support available on-site, athletes learn how to best recover and refuel—essential skills for those travelling long distances or managing increased training loads. They are also taught how to self-analyse and review their own games, ensuring they can continue to learn and develop even when training remotely. 

Across a five-week intensive training block, athletes will take part in a mix of on-court skills, tactical development, and off-court education, led by some of the most experienced coaches in the state. The program culminates in a tri-series tournament, where the three teams will compete against each other in a showcase of talent and progression. 

The introduction and growth of the Regional and First Nations teams alongside the Metro program recognises the importance of accessibility and representation in the Netball NSW pathway system. 

“By expanding to three squads, we’ve been able to offer more opportunities to talented athletes who may have previously been overlooked due to location or access. It strengthens our pipeline and ensures athletes from all corners of NSW, and from all backgrounds, have a chance to thrive,” Aplin said. 

While most athletes are working towards the 17/U and 19/U state teams, the program is tailored to suit the varying levels of development and experience across the three squads. 

The 2025 Emerging Talent Program highlights Netball NSW’s ongoing investment in athlete and coach development, inclusion, and high performance, ensuring a bright future for the sport from grassroots to elite level. 
 
2025 Netball NSW Metro Squad

Head Coach: Jenny Barsby, Penrith District Netball Association
Assistant Coach: Yvette Sheady, Hills District Netball Association
Apprentice Coach: Jordan Bedingfield, Sutherland Shire Netball Association
 

2025 Netball NSW Regional Squad

 
Head Coach: Linda Macleod, Dubbo Netball Association
Assistant Coach: Charli Wright, Armidale Netball Association
Apprentice Coach: Alex McNeil, Illawarra Netball Association
 

2025 Netball NSW First Nations Squad

Head Coach: Renee Sini, Blacktown Netball Association
Assistant Coach: Sean Gray, Shoalhaven Netball Association
Apprentice Coach: Tori Trist, Hawkesbury City Netball Association

Netball NSW