SOME 25 schools took part in this year’s Sure Sports Primary School Netball Festival.
Following the launch of school clubs, and regional competitions, the national final was held at St Ninian’s Lower School on Tuesday.
A fun festival for teams which hadn’t made it through was introduced, and it is hoped this will now become an annual feature.
Kirsty Cooper, of Manx Sport and Recreation, said: ‘The number of schools and teams taking part is just fantastic. We always look forward to netball season and seeing the enjoyment experienced by those who take part.’
The Buchan School were the winners, beating Ballacottier A in the final.
No results were recorded in the fun festival but Marown won best fancy dress and Scoill yn Jubilee won best acceptance walk.
Netball development officer Marie Skillicorn said: ‘The sport is continuing to grow in popularity and this is demonstrated in the number of girls we now have attending junior clubs.
‘We have used the primary school festivals as scouting opportunities and many have been invited to trial for Manx Aces Development Academy. To have so much choice is a joy for Manx netball and a great opportunity for those athletes.
‘By also making grassroots netball fun we hope that it creates a passion for the sport to continue playing throughout their lives.’
For information about the island’s community netball clubs – both juniors and seniors – contact Marie, 456634/mnadevelopment@gmail.com