The Inaugural UAE Netball Cup: A New Chapter for Netball in the Emirates

Next week, Dubai will witness a historic moment in the world of netball as it hosts the inaugural UAE Netball Cup. With world ranking points at stake, this event promises to elevate the level of competition and shine a spotlight on the UAE’s growing presence in the sport.

A Competitive Field

The national team is set to face off against a diverse group of competitors, including Kenya, Namibia, Singapore, the Republic of Ireland, and the USA. These matches will take place at the Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan indoor stadium, located within the Al Nasr Club, from June 15 to 21. The format will be a round-robin league, giving each team the opportunity to showcase their skills and vie for precious ranking points.

Ambitions of the UAE Netball Federation

Susanne Skelding, the technical director of the UAE Netball Federation, expressed her enthusiasm for bringing international competition to the UAE. In an interview with The National, she emphasized, “We really wanted to try and bring some depth here to this fantastic location, so here we are, pleased to do just that with a world ranking event.”

Currently ranked 23rd in the world, the UAE team has predominantly participated in tournaments held in Europe, a region that has historically been the stronghold for netball. Skelding sees this tournament as not only a means to improve the UAE’s ranking but also as a chance to establish the country as a central hub for netball in the region.

A Vision for Future Tournaments

Skelding envisions this tournament as just the beginning. She stated, “We wanted to showcase that we could host an international event here to attract some of the top teams to potentially come and host a test series and maybe a fast-five competition, maybe even a World Cup.” The ambition to host larger international events reflects the UAE’s broader aspirations to be recognized globally in the sporting world.

The Teams in Competition

The participating teams have been randomly selected, with Namibia being the highest-ranked team at 18th. The USA, although not currently ranked among the top teams, adds an interesting dynamic to the competition. This wide range of teams provides an opportunity for the UAE national team to measure its progress against a diverse set of playing styles and strategies.

Preparation and Training

The UAE national team has dedicated considerable time to prepare for this championship. Since their last competition at the Singapore Nations Cup in September, they have been meticulously training. Team captain Carly Lewis, who has been a part of the squad since its inception in 2018, leads a core group of experienced players alongside promising talents who have progressed through various development programs.

As Skelding noted, “We’ve also got four young players that have come up through the development programmes… and their preparation has been extreme.” The team’s training regimen has included bi-weekly sessions and competitive showcase matches, enhancing their readiness for the challenges ahead.

Grassroots Development

A foundational aspect of the UAE’s netball strategy has been grassroots development, which Skelding emphasizes. “We have a fantastic schools programme both in Sharjah, in Abu Dhabi, and in Dubai,” she said. This comprehensive approach ensures that netball is ingrained in the culture from a young age, fostering a new generation of players.

Over the last decade, the growth of independent clubs has added to the foundation of the sport. Skelding remarked on the importance of not only focusing on elite-level training but also building an ecosystem that nurtures talent from the ground up.

Building a Netball Community

Through her role with Active Sports, Skelding has been pivotal in establishing various leagues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, catering to all age groups and skill levels. “We’re building quite a following for netball. And what that does is it builds the ecosystem of netball within the country,” she stated.

The structure of leagues across Dubai and Abu Dhabi allows players at all levels— from young children to adults—to engage in the sport, thereby strengthening the community and increasing participation.

The UAE Squad for the Cup

The UAE has assembled a competitive squad for this significant event, featuring a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. The team includes captain Carly Lewis, vice-captain Sophie Hankin, and players such as Holly Guerin, Isla Edgar, and Evie Hollis, among others. This blend of experience and youthful energy aims to propel the UAE to success in the inaugural cup.

With a wealth of excitement surrounding the upcoming UAE Netball Cup, the stage is set for thrilling competition and an opportunity for the Emirates to demonstrate its abilities on an international platform. By facilitating such events, the UAE not only enhances its sporting profile but also creates a vibrant environment for netball to flourish in the region.