The Northern Football Netball League has welcomed its fifth netball affiliate club, with La Trobe University Netball Club set to join the netball competition in 2019.
The club’s entry into the NFNL was formally ratified at February’s Board Meeting.
La Trobe University joins Craigieburn Rep, Ivanhoe, Heat and St Martin’s as the league’s netball affiliate clubs.
The Eagles have previously competed in the Banyule & Districts Netball Association.
La Trobe University Representative Sport Manager Nick Lambert said the club was thrilled to be accepted into the NFNL.
“The club has been going for around 20 years so it’s not that we are a brand-new club. We’re just trying to revive it to give students somewhere to play,” Lambert said.
“Last year we had six teams competing just in sort of social competitions at Banyule mid-week and we were really looking for a more serious place to play.
“A lot of the people involved in the club who come down and stay on campus are from the country, so they’re used to being part of country football netball clubs.
“It’s obviously a bit more serious with training and regular competition and that’s what they’re seeking, to mirror that environment.”
Lambert said La Trobe University would likely enter two teams in the 2019 winter season but could add extra sides depending on interest levels.
Players are not required to be students of La Trobe University, with details regarding tryouts to be announced shortly.
“We’re probably looking to start with two teams and start small, but if we get more interest there is obviously the potential for more,” Lambert said.
“We want to make it as serious as we can get it and then go from there and there is potential to build on that.
“We have the new facilities happening over here, which is getting a bit of extra interest.
“We will have tryouts and you don’t need to be a student of the uni to play for us, although we understand a majority of the players will be.”
For more details on La Trobe University Netball Club, please visit www.latrobe.edu.au/sport/get-involved/clubs/netball.
