Netball in Manchester: Leagues & Back to Netball

Netball is the most-played team sport among women and girls in England, and Manchester is a genuine stronghold – home to Manchester Thunder, one of the dominant Super League franchises, and a deep base of grassroots leagues beneath it. Recreational and competitive leagues run at venues including the Belle Vue Sports Village in Gorton and leisure centres across the city, with divisions for every standard from social to seriously competitive.

The best on-ramp for beginners and returners is England Netball’s Back to Netball scheme, which runs relaxed, coached sessions aimed at adults who have not played since school or want to start fresh. Sessions are pay-as-you-go, no team required, and designed to rebuild confidence and fitness gently. Walking netball, the lower-impact version, is also growing for older players.

From there, plenty of players move into back-to-back league teams or join one of the city’s established clubs. Whether you want a friendly Tuesday-night session or a place in a competitive squad, Manchester’s netball scene is one of the easiest team sports to get into, and one of the most welcoming.