The 2025/26 netball season is officially under way after a spirited opening rally and fundraiser at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex courts on 18 Oct.
Ten teams, spanning enthusiastic youth players to seasoned seniors, marked the start of their journey, which is set to run until 31 July 2026.
The event was a colourful spectacle, highlighted by a parade where teams presented themselves before three judges, who scored them on criteria including poise and bearing, pleasing looks, neatness, theme and fun accessories, and overall impact.
The atmosphere was further energised by the musical accompaniment of the Massed Band – comprising RCIPS and Cayman Islands Cadet Corps musicians – along with several exhibition matches showcasing the talent on the courts.
Faith Crooks, president of the Cayman Islands Netball Association, described the evening as a celebration to “bring all the persons who love netball together” and start the year with “vim and vigour”.
She noted the extended age range of the participants, with players from the under-10s up to those in their 40s taking the court.
Looking ahead, Crooks said the netball association plans to focus on bridging the gap in the development pipeline.
“We are looking forward to building the grassroots programme,” she said. “There is a wide gap with the persons who are playing netball from age 5 all the way up to 21, so we’re looking forward to filling that gap.”
A key initiative is the development of the under-16 programme, and funds raised from the weekend’s event to support a “development trip” to Jamaica from 5-7 Dec., Crooks said.
The trip will allow the young athletes to watch the England versus Jamaica game as well as participate in mini competitions, giving them “wide exposure so they can see the wonders of what netball can do for them”.
She believes netball provides a vital avenue for physical fitness and development, helping to mould “well-rounded citizens in our Cayman Islands” by giving them a positive alternative to screen time or getting into trouble.
Her biggest appeal to the public was for increased visibility and support. “We would love to see more spectators coming out to watch us,” Crooks urged, as she called for more coaches to help develop grassroots programmes in the various districts across Cayman.
“We want to see netball become very visible across the Cayman Islands,” she added.
This visibility will be fuelled by the action on the court, where Aryana Grant, a player on the defending champions AllStars, said, “This season, we are hoping to retain our title … and hopefully it’s an AllStars A and B in the finals this year dominating right across the board.”
