OurStory

One league in Warwick. One simple idea. A nationwide movement bringing women together through the power of social sport.

In 2023, You Play Netball began with a simple belief: sport should be about more than competition. It should be about connection, confidence, friendship and creating a space where every woman feels she belongs.

Our journey started in Warwick, where we launched our very first You Play Netball league. We wanted to create something different – a welcoming, inclusive and judgement-free environment exclusively for women aged 18 and over.

Life as an adult can be busy, and finding time for yourself, making new friends and staying active isn't always easy. We wanted to change that by creating a space where women could switch off from everyday responsibilities, enjoy time for themselves and reconnect with the fun of playing netball.

There was no expectation to be the best player on court. No pressure to compete. Just women coming together to have fun, get moving and experience the joy of being part of a community.

What started as one local league quickly grew into something much bigger than we could ever have imagined.

From one league to a nationwide movement

Today, more than 60,000 women participate in You Play Netball every week, making us a leading name in social sport for women. From that first league in Warwick, we've grown into a nationwide movement, creating opportunities for women aged 18 and over to reconnect with netball, build friendships and rediscover confidence in themselves.

But our impact has never been measured by numbers alone. It's about what happens when women come together, often after years away from sport, and discover that there is still a place for them on court.

For some, You Play Netball is a fun way to stay active. For others, it's an opportunity to meet new people, improve their wellbeing, rebuild their confidence or find a sense of belonging. For many, it's the first time since school that they've picked up a netball again.

Whatever their age, ability or reason for joining, we want every woman to feel welcome, supported and part of the team. Our adult-only environment gives women the freedom to enjoy sport on their own terms, without judgement or the pressure to perform.

As our community continued to grow, we wanted to offer our players more than just their weekly leagues. We wanted to create something that would bring women together on a much bigger scale, giving them the opportunity to meet players from across the country, challenge themselves in a supportive environment and feel part of something truly special.

In February 2025, we hosted our very first You Play Netball tournament, beginning an exciting new chapter in our journey.

Today, we're proud to host the UK's largest indoor netball tournament, bringing together 52 teams of players exclusively from our weekly sessions. Held biannually, our tournaments have become a highlight of the You Play Netball experience, giving women the opportunity to step beyond their local leagues and join a nationwide celebration of social sport.

What makes these events so special is the women who take part. Many haven't played netball since school, and for some, the idea of taking part in a tournament would once have felt completely out of reach. We've created an environment where they can experience the excitement of tournament netball without losing the fun, friendship and inclusive spirit that defines our community.

Our tournaments are about so much more than what happens on court. They bring together women from up and down the country who share a common experience through their weekly sessions, creating opportunities to meet new people, form lasting friendships and connect with a wider community of like-minded women.

For us, it's another way of giving back to our players and delivering something extra beyond their weekly games. It's about creating memories, building confidence, and showing women that it's never too late to try something new, take on a challenge, and discover what they're capable of.

The little things that make a big difference

At You Play Netball, we believe creating an inclusive community means thinking about every part of the experience, from the moment a woman signs up to the friendships she makes along the way.

We want to remove as many barriers to participation as possible. That's why every team receives free team bibs in their second week, helping players get started without the added expense of purchasing their own kit. We want women to be able to turn up, get involved and enjoy playing, without feeling they need to invest in lots of equipment before they begin.

We also believe that a great experience starts behind the scenes. All our customers pay online, and our umpires are paid automatically, removing the need for teams to collect cash or organise payments on the night. It's a simpler, more convenient approach that allows everyone to focus on enjoying the game.

And while the systems we build help our leagues run smoothly, it's the people who make our community what it is. Our umpires play a vital role in creating the welcoming, supportive atmosphere our players value, and we never take their dedication for granted.

Every Christmas, we send our umpires cards and gifts as a small gesture of appreciation for the time, commitment and enthusiasm they bring to You Play Netball throughout the year.

For us, these details matter. Whether it's helping a new team get started, making payments easier or showing appreciation to the people who support our leagues, we want everyone involved in You Play Netball to feel valued.

Because building a great community isn't just about what happens on court. It's about how you make people feel, how you look after them and the little things that show you care.

You Play Netball is more than a sport. It's connection, confidence and community. It's a place to belong.