Legacy Program to Support 2027 Netball World Cup

The NSW Government have announced a funding package to grow netball after the Sydney 2027 World Cup.

With three years to go until the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, last Friday a function was held at NSW Parliament House to celebrate the milestone.

At the event, the NSW Government made an announcement of a $1.5 million investment into the sport not just for the tournament itself, but for a legacy and infrastructure strategy in the sport long after the trophy is lifted.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper was on hand to announce details of the funding package:

“The 2027 Netball World Cup Legacy Program will support netball at all levels through participation initiatives, leadership and development programs, as well as programs to raise awareness and help grow the sport.

This legacy program will ensure that players, coaches, officials, and all citizens of New South Wales will have the best opportunity to benefit from the highest profiled netball event in the world, being hosted here in New South Wales.”

With the tournament being hosted in Sydney, HER WAY spoke to Netball Australia CEO Stacey West after the announcement, and asked how the 2027 Netball World Cup will make opportunities available for netball fans right across the country to be part of the excitement of the event:

“I think what we talked about today was not just having the moment in Sydney, but making sure that moment lasts right across the country. So we’re going to look at a whole range of different things to make sure that we capture as many fans right across the country and ensure that we get the maximum attendance during the 16 days that we’re here.”

After a period of time where netball hasn’t always been in the headlines for the right reasons, 2024 has been a significant year for the sport already, with record crowds attending the Super Netball season, and a crowd of over 12,000 watching the Diamonds play England in Sydney yesterday.

Stacey West spoke with optimism at the function on Friday, and legacy was a word which was prominent in her speech.

“We’re going to ensure that the sport is in a much stronger position in three years’ time than it is today. We are going to maximise every lead in day, so from here until the event start, we will be present…and then post-event we will continue the momentum of which this sport aims to be relevant and present for generations to come.”

The CEO also spoke of her passion to see Netball do more with new and immigrant families in Australia, as well as continue to create more pathways and opportunities for the Indigenous community.

Also on hand for the announcement was Diamonds squad member Hannah Mundy, who at 23 year old now, will be pushing for a spot in the squad for 2027, and HER WAY caught up with the Melbourne Vixens star:

“It’s a massive opportunity for netball to kind of grow that scale and reach worldwide, and I think it’s so good to inspire our next generation of netballers in Australia.

Making the Diamonds squad this year was such an honour and it is such a competitive environment in that midcourt. I’m just so grateful to be amongst them at the moment. In three years’ time, who knows, hopefully I’m in contention. It’s going to be a big challenge to get there, but it is one of my goals.”

Watch more of HER WAY’s chat with Stacey West, Hannah Mundy, as well as rising star Sophie Fawns, in the video below.