A typical Sunday morning for me is not a lie-in. I resurrect myself to haul a massive bag of netballs and bibs to play a game that’s not just increasing in popularity in Cambridge but is now well-established in the inter-collegiate sport space – mixed netball.

Globally, it’s a rising phenomenon. Considered most popular in Australia, mixed and men’s national netball competitions there are even televised, and although its popularity is not quite matched in the UK, the English Mixed and Men’s Netball Association (EMMNA) has over 25 competitive teams and is looking to expand further. In UK universities, this growth isn’t reflected. Even though there is a BUCS Men’s Cup - won by Warwick in 2023 – there is no mixed netball league in BUCS, however teams can play in the EMMNA league. Cambridge is one of the exceptional universities where inter-collegiate or intramural mixed netball has such a hold.

“Netball is truly anything but the stereotypes it faces”

Netball has been considered a ‘women’s sport’ since its invention in the late 19th century as a version of women’s basketball (after a PE teacher misinterpreted a note explaining the rules of basketball), and today is one of the only international sports to be thought of as such, along with rhythmic gymnastics and synchronised swimming. My first introduction to the sport was actively not gendered – in primary school, I first competed in our borough’s netball competition as part of a team with boys as well as girls. Only when I became further interested in the sport did I realise that it was ladies’ netball that was globally renowned.

There was something deeply empowering about finding out that women had a designated space to exercise and compete – with such a rich history of women managing, playing and watching. Perhaps because it’s considered ‘feminine’, those outside the sport often view it as a “second-class basketball,” or a soft sport lacking in contact or excitement. As someone who has been elbowed, shoved and jostled on Christ’s Sports Ground before 10:30 am on a supposed day of rest, I can tell you that netball is truly anything but the stereotypes it faces. It takes physical, mental and tactical prowess - all elements that make it the popular sport that it is.

“Mixed netball… has the potential to flourish even further as a nationally competitive team.”

Netball’s deep heritage as a traditionally women’s sport does not mean that there is no space for mixed and men’s netball, however. Cambridge University’s mixed netball scene displays a variety of characters. A growing number of boys have picked up netball at university – from those interested in trying something new to those initially dragged in by friends who scout their skills in other sports, or WAGs of ladies’ netball who are constantly reminded to stop bounce passing. Sav took up mixed netball last year and was drawn to the sport as netball is “easy to pick up in terms of learning the sport” and a light schedule commitment as “the games are so short compared to other sports.” When asked why he continues to enjoy playing, he pointed out that “it’s as serious as you want it to be” and “a good excuse to see your friends.” It’s no wonder the sport has reached such a height of appeal within college sports.

Among the girls drawn to play, there is a diversity of netball backgrounds. Some that join have been previously scarred by school netball and are looking to fall back in love with the sport, but for other veterans of the game, mixed netball’s draw is that it is a social way to get some intense exercise 1-2 times a week and meet new people across year groups. There is a reason why players dedicate their weekends to it – even the most intense rivalries are fun to play. Some teams even play music from speakers to soundtrack their matches.

This isn’t to say that inter-collegiate mixed netball is unserious. Many colleges, like their ladies’ netball counterparts, hold weekly training sessions and fill multiple teams in the college league. Matches, especially in the first division, are highly competitive, with players and teams showing off a high level of skill and flair.

Established in 2023, the Cambridge University Mixed and Men’s Netball Club sought to harness the zeitgeist of college mixed netball and compete nationally. As it was an informal club, it relied heavily on word of mouth, yet their team was initially successful, travelling to play Warwick during last year’s season. However, issues with SU accreditation meant that the club failed to take off as an official university sport. Anna, a club attendee, enjoyed it, but “thought it was a shame how low turnout was for training.” Ultimately, she felt it was “a lot of work for a very small club.” According to their Instagram, CUMNC is no longer running sessions for the 2024-25 season.

A potential solution to channel the enthusiasm for mixed netball could be expanding CULNC (ladies’ netball club) to CUNC, a name similar to what OUNC (Oxford University Netball Club) have adopted. This could facilitate an expansion of the current university club or the possibility of creating a mixed netball team under the umbrella of the current CULNC. Either way, mixed netball has become a staple of collegiate sports in Cambridge and has the potential to flourish even further as a nationally competitive team.

Mixed netball has been a major part of my Cambridge experience so far. It has allowed me to develop new connections and friendships and improve my netball and leadership skills, all while keeping me fit and giving me new opportunities (I even had the chance to visit Girton for a match in a college-subsidised taxi!). Hopefully, mixed netball can get the recognition it deserves - not as a rising star of Cambridge sport but as a mainstay of the University’s sporting scene.