This year marks the fifth annual Pride Round in The IMB Bank Premier League, providing an opportunity to celebrate inclusion and reinforce our shared commitment to creating environments where all participants feel welcome, safe, represented and respected — both on and off the court.
For North Shore United, Pride Round is about more than a single round of netball. It reflects the club's ongoing commitment to fostering a culture where players, coaches, staff and supporters can feel valued, supported and able to be themselves.
Open’s player Sarah Corfield says one of the most rewarding parts of netball has been the sense of connection and community it provides.
“Netball has, for me, been much more than just a sport to play. I've been able to form some lifelong friendships with people from very different backgrounds and be part of a really supportive community,” she said.
That feeling of belonging is something North Shore United continues to prioritise through initiatives such as annual Pride Round education sessions, which help promote awareness, understanding and inclusivity across the club.
23U captain Zoe Huxtable has seen positive changes in the sport during her time in netball, including greater visibility of inclusion initiatives and increased opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to be involved in the game.
Looking ahead, she hopes the sport continues to build on that progress.
“I'd love to see the netball community continue to champion inclusivity, not just at Premier League level, but from grassroots all the way through the sport, so everyone feels like they have a place,” she said.
As North Shore United joins the wider netball community in celebrating Pride Round, the focus remains on creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.
The round is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, recognise the importance of inclusion and reinforce the idea that netball is a game for everyone. Because when people feel seen, valued and respected, communities become stronger both on and off the court.
Whether you're courtside or tuning in from home, we encourage everyone to get behind Pride Round and celebrate the values that make our sport stronger.
All matches will be streamed live on Netball NSW TV, giving supporters the chance to follow the action and be part of a round that highlights the importance of creating a netball community where everyone feels welcome, safe, represented and respected.