Following the successful completion of the National Performance Pathway pilot, Netbal Nederland is entering the next phase of its high performance development. The 2026/27 National High Performance Programme will provide a structured performance environment that supports the long-term development of athletes and prepares them for the demands of international netball.
National Performance Pathway
Changes for the 2026–2027 Season
The Performance Team has re-designed the National Team pathway for the next season. The new pathway provides a clearer route for players to develop, represent the Netherlands internationally, and progress throughout the season.
For the 2026/27 season, there will be two squads within the National Pathway Programme.
National Squad
Players will be selected to represent the Netherlands at tournaments and international fixtures. Up to 24 players can be selected.
Key information:
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Monthly training camps lasting approximately 5 hours on either a Saturday or Sunday.
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All training camps will be held in Amsterdam.
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During key competition periods, there may be two camps in a month.
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Being selected for the National Squad does not guarantee selection for every tournament or international fixture. Selections are made by the Performance Team for each event and are based on:
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Player combinations and team balance.
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Training performance.
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Fitness and physical readiness.
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Injuries and player availability.
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Cost: €550 per player (October → August)
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Tournament entry, travel and accommodation costs are not included and will vary depending on the event.
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We want everyone to have the opportunity to represent the Netherlands. If the cost of attending a tournament is a barrier, financial assistance may be available. Please don't hesitate to contact us at info@netbalnederland.nl to discuss how we may be able to support you.
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Development Squad
The Development Squad has been created to support players who have the potential to represent the Netherlands in the future but are not yet ready for selection to the National Squad.
The squad provides additional coaching, development opportunities and visibility within the national programme to help players progress towards international level. It also provides a pathway for talented players who are not yet eligible to represent the Netherlands internationally. There is no minimum residency requirement to join the Development Squad, allowing players to begin their development within the programme while working towards meeting the World Netball eligibility criteria.
Key information:
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Approximately 4–6 training camps per year (October–August).
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All training camps will be held in Amsterdam, lasting approximately 3-5 hours
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Players may progress into the National Squad during the season if they are required due to injuries, availability or selection decisions within the National Squad. They may be selected if they:
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Demonstrate the required performance level.
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Become eligible to represent the Netherlands.
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Players may be scouted and invited into the Development Squad throughout the season. Although formal trials will not be held again until October 2027, the Performance Team will continue to identify players for this squad throughout the year.
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Cost: TBC
Eligibility
We encourage all players to put themselves forward who are interested in the National Pathway. Through the development squad or national team, there is now a space for all players to be a part of the programme. To be selected for international tournaments, players must meet the World Netball eligibility rules. This can be achieved by:
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Holding Dutch nationality.
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Being born in the Netherlands.
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Having a parent or grandparent born in the Netherlands.
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Qualifying through residency.
Players qualifying through residency must meet the following minimum residency requirements before representing the Netherlands:
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Women's competitions: At least 2 years of residency before the first official international match.
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Mixed competitions: At least 1 year of residency before the first official international match.
Trials
Trials will only be held once over the next 12 months and will take place in October (Date, location and time TBC). There will not be another trial until October 2027, so we strongly encourage anyone interested in being part of the national programme to register for this year's trials.
The form link to register for trials will be available at the beginning of August.
Pilot Programme
Netbal Nederland Squad 2026
Anastasia
Hadjidemetriou
Utrecht Netball Club
Blair
Radford
Amsterdam Netball Club
Carli
van der Merwe
Maastricht Netball Club
Carlien
van Eeden
Brabant Netball Club
Claire
Janssen
Dominique
Gunnink
Hannah
Pahor
Hyde Park Netball Club (UK)
Amsterdam Netball Club
Amsterdam Netball Club
Hannah
Yorke
Amsterdam Netball Club
Jemima
O’Connor Furno
Utrecht Netball Club
Jordan
Kirby
Amsterdam Netball Club
Julia
Scott
Utrecht Netball Club
Lucy
Oates
Amsterdam Netball Club
Nicola
Bestbier
Amsterdam Netball Club
Niël
Els
Utrecht Netball Club
Olivia
Anstis
Amsterdam Netball Club
Pablo
Aguilera Coronado
Den Haag Netball Club
Patrick
Neasey
Utrecht Netball Club
Rachel
Davies
Den Haag Netball Club
Tom
Nelson
Royal Air Force Men's and Mixed Netball (UK)
Whitney
Coers
Utrecht Netball Club
Support the program
Launching a national team requires investment in:
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Coaching and performance staff
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Facility hire
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Equipment and analysis tools
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Programme administration
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Future international competition opportunities
Even in its early stages, we have begun fundraising to help build a sustainable and credible national pathway. Any support towards the development of the National Team programme is greatly appreciated.
You can support the programme by making a donation, sharing the fundraising page, or spreading the word within your networks. If you are interested in sponsoring the National Team programme, please contact us at info@netbalnederland.nl
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