The Tasmanian Netball league will celebrate Pride Round this weekend in Launceston, with a special double header event focused on inclusion, diversity and creating welcoming spaces for everyone in the netball community.
Held at the Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub in Mowbray, Pride Round is a chance for players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters across Tasmania to come together and celebrate belonging in sport.
Netball Tasmania CEO Penny Shearer said Pride Round highlights the importance of making every person feel welcome in netball.
“Netball is at its best when every player, coach, official, volunteer and supporter feels safe, respected and able to be themselves,” Shearer said.
“Pride Round is about visibly showing our LGBTIQA+ community that they belong in our sport and that inclusion is something we are committed to every day, not just for one weekend.”
“We know sport has the power to build confidence, connection and community, and we want netball in Tasmania to be a space where everyone feels welcome to participate and thrive.”
While Pride Round is part of the 2026 TNL season, Netball Tasmania says the commitment to inclusion extends far beyond one weekend. Clubs and associations across the state continue to work towards creating safe and supportive environments for people at every level of the game, from grassroots netball through to the State League.
This year marks the fourth Pride Round partnership between Netball Tasmania and Working It Out, Tasmania’s support, education and advocacy services for sexuality, gender and intersex communities.
Representatives from Working It Out will be in attendance across the weekend and speak during the round.
Working It Out CEO Olivia Hogarth said inclusive sporting environments play an important role in community wellbeing.
“We know the importance of sport for building community and a sense of belonging, and the protective effects of this and physical activity on our mental and physical health,” Hogarth said.
“We also know from community survey conducted by Working It Out in Tasmania in 2020 which aligns with other national research, that a significant number of LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians are still not comfortable being open about their sexuality or gender identity in sporting settings, or avoid sport altogether, and so are excluded from those positive and protective experiences.”
Netball Tasmania will continue working alongside Working It Out throughout the year, with further education, training and inclusion initiatives available in the coming months.
Research shows that LGBTQ+ people are less likely to stay involved in sport if they do not feel safe or included. Pride Round is one of the many ways the Tasmanian netball community is working to ensure everyone can enjoy the game with confidence and feel part of the community.
The TNL Pride Round double header takes place at the Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub, with clubs, players and supporters encouraged to come along and celebrate diversity, inclusion and community through netball.
