A fun, fast-paced spectacle returns to Port Douglas netball courts

The weather isn’t the only thing getting warmer in Port Douglas at the moment with the annual Fast 5 Netball competition heating up the courts once again.

The weekly competition sees four local teams hitting the grounds at the newly upgraded Port Douglas Sports Complex on Tuesday night in the first of five rounds of competition that will take place each week. Unlike traditional netball with seven players, Fast 5 features five players per side, with a mix of both men and women, making it a dynamic and fast-paced spectacle but more importantly, lots of fun.

Local sports are an integral part of any community and the addition of the Fast Five competition allows those of all ages to get involved, without it ever being too serious. The smaller teams and light-hearted nature of the game make it easier for individuals with varying skill levels to form teams and participate.

“It’s all just a bit of a laugh and a chance to get together with your friends and have a run around,” said one player, Meg Bell. “Some of us haven’t played in years so it was really nice to be able to get back on the court without the pressure of the scoreboard.”

And it’s not just the players who are getting involved. Each week, the courts are bordered by dozens of locals, trying to keep up with the pace of the game and get their heads around the elusive three-pointer goal which comes when a shooter hits the target from outside the goal circle.

Now in its 6^th season, the modified version of the popular sport is run and organised by the Port Douglas Netball Association (DNA) which has seen a growing interest in the competition in both players and spectators.

Want to get involved? Team submissions have closed for this year but keep an eye out in early 2024 when a new season begins. The competition runs each Tuesday night at 6:30pm until December 12^th.