Victoria University Junior Netball Academy

The Victoria University Junior Netball Academy, located in Footscray, is an esteemed sport development program specifically designed for junior netballers aiming to take their skills to the next level. Since its establishment in 2010, the Academy has been committed to providing young athletes with unparalleled training opportunities and fostering their growth in the sport.

One of the main objectives of the Netball Academy is to offer participants access to cutting-edge sport facilities and extensive netball sporting networks. This allows aspiring netballers to thrive in an environment that nurtures their talent and opens up various competition opportunities. It serves as a crucial pathway for athletes striving for selection in a Victorian Netball League (VNL) team and other elite pathway programs. The Academy caters to athletes in the 13, 15, and 17 (and under) age brackets, providing them with a solid foundation to excel in their netball journey.

The success of the Victoria University Junior Netball Academy is evident in the many athletes it has produced who have gone on to achieve State and Australian representation in netball. Furthermore, numerous participants have successfully transitioned from the Academy into tertiary education at VU, which has also offered them the unique experience of representing the University in inter-university competitions. The staff and coaches at the VU Netball Academy actively encourage athletes to continue playing for their club or association team while also actively participating in on-court sessions at the Academy.

Leading the charge at the VU Netball Academy is none other than Bianca Chatfield, the esteemed head coach. With a remarkable 13-year international netball career, Bianca is a well-known figure in the sport. She has represented the Australian netball team at the highest level, boasting silver and gold medals won in the Commonwealth Games. In addition, Bianca has made significant contributions to Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne Vixens, even captaining the latter for several years.

For individuals seeking additional information about the Victoria University Junior Netball Academy, please reach out to Jessica Harrington, the highly knowledgeable Community Engagement Coordinator. Jessica can be contacted via email at jessica.harrington@vu.edu.au. Feel free to get in touch with Jessica to clarify any doubts or gather more details about this exciting opportunity for young netballers.