Netball Australia is proud to announce the return of the Marie Little Shield for 2025, netball’s premier national competition for women with an intellectual disability.
Returning to Brisbane’s Nissan Arena for the second year in a row, this year’s championship will be contested from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 September.
Introduced in 2013, the Marie Little Shield competition was named after Marie Little OAM, a netballer and inspiring administrator who dedicated her life to those with an intellectual disability.
Since 2013, the Marie Little Shield has provided the chance for female athletes with an intellectual disability to compete at the national level each year, representing their state or territory with pride and passion.
In an event first, the 2024 Marie Little Shield featured teams from every state and territory, with the inclusion of an inaugural Tasmanian team.
The momentum will continue in 2025 with all eight teams competing in a round-robin format that will culminate in a Grand Final where one team will be crowned national champions.
This year's championship will take place in September.Netball Australia CEO Stacey West said the tournament is a cornerstone event on the calendar that reflects netball’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
“Last year’s Marie Little Shield was unforgettable, seeing every state and territory represented for the first time, including the debut of Tasmania, was incredibly moving,” West said.
“Marie Little Shield continues to grow each year, reinforcing the importance of pathways for all-abilities athletes and promoting equality and diversity across the netball landscape.
“The energy, the pride, the connection among athletes, families, and supporters is a reminder of the power of truly inclusive sport.”
