How to Run a Beginners Netball Team

It’s easier (and more fun) than you think!

We’ve got simple tips, fun ideas, and plenty of support to help your beginner netball team take off on the funnest Flyt path. From your first pass to your first win (or laugh!), playing social netball is all about enjoying the game, building confidence, and having a great time on court. What if we haven't got enough players?

Don’t panic—there are a few easy ways to keep your team flying high:

• Post in the group (Facebook): This is the fastest way to find extra players. Our flock is full of keen netballers ready to swoop in and help.

• Ask your FLYT coordinator: If you’re still low on the ground, your coordinator can connect you with spare players. Remember, there’s no registration list—you’re welcome to bring along friends, family, or anyone aged 14+ who wants to join the flight.

With such a supportive community, it’s rare that a team stays grounded!

Can we have mixed teams?

If it’s a mixed league, men are welcome to join the journey—otherwise, it’s women-only.

What if we need to forfeit a game?

It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes a team can’t make the game. If that’s the case:

• You can click forfeit game in the Magic App and contact your coordinator straight away— they’ll do everything they can to help you find players and keep the game alive.

• If a game does have to be forfeited, the opposition will be awarded the points (5 points and a 15–0 scoreline).

• Teams that forfeit may still be charged their match fee (and the opponent’s fee too).

We ask all teams to commit to the full season so every match takes off smoothly.

Do players need to be registered?

Nope! One of the best things about FLYT is our open-door policy. Bring your sister, best mate, work buddy, or even your gran—so long as they’re 14+, they’re welcome. We keep it flexible so you can enjoy the game without the restrictions of player registration.

What if we’re short on game day?

Games can still take off with fewer players, but a team needs at least five to avoid a forfeit. If you’re really struggling, you can borrow players from other teams if they are willing to help out. You can post in to our Facebook group as there will be lots of ladies who are either waiting for a chance to play or someone who'd like extra game time. Pop in a post like this 👇🏼

How are points scored in the league?

• Win = 5 points

• Draw = 3 points

• Loss but >50% of winners score = 1 point

So even on a tough day, your team can still bag some bonus points!

Decoding the Scoreboard 📊

• P = Games Played

• W = Wins

• D = Draws

• L = Losses

• F = Goals For (what you’ve scored)

• A = Goals Against (what opponents have scored)

• GD = Goal Difference (F minus A)

• BP = Bonus Points

• Pts = Total Points

How to decide who plays where!

Every position has its own role in the flock. Here’s the line-up:

1. Goal Shooter (GS) 🎯 The eagle eye. Calm under pressure, focused on netting those points.

2. Goal Attack (GA) 🔄 The creative hawk. Always scheming and feeding the shooter while hunting for openings.

3. Wing Attack (WA) ⚡ The swallow. Quick, light, always darting to deliver the ball into the circle.

4. Centre (C) 🔋 The hummingbird. Everywhere at once, buzzing with energy and linking every part of the team.

5. Wing Defence (WD) 🛡️ The kestrel. Fast, alert, and always swooping in to block and intercept.

6. Goal Defence (GD) 🚧 The falcon. Fierce and reliable, working with the keeper to shut down attacks.

7. Goal Keeper (GK) 🧱 The owl. Patient, watchful, and quick to pounce—always protecting the post.

Each player has their own skill, but together the flock takes flight.

The Money Side 💸

Keeping the flock in the air takes a little organising. Here are ways teams often manage payments to make it super easy.

1. Season Pass (Upfront) Collect all match fees in advance to make life easy and stress-free.

2. Pay-as-You-Fly (Weekly) Everyone pays their fee each each week - Add a poll in to your team chat group a few days before your game to see who's available and then split your match fee by how many players are available.

3. Monthly Plan Spread the cost evenly with set monthly payments - Just simply select as many games as you want to pay in the Magic App.

4. Team Apps (Teamo, Spond, Heja) Great for tracking who’s paid and sending reminders - These are totally free and can be downloaded from App Store/Google Play.

5. Kitty Fund Chip in at the start of the season and use the pool to cover match fees - Players may opt to pay £5 per week regardless of how many players so they build up a little kitty for team drinks/celebrations at the end of the season.

   
   

Borrowed Player Fees

• Full match fee (most common and fairest).

• Reduced rate and use your kitty if you have one (to encourage fill-ins).

• Team covers it (if already paid upfront).

• Shared across the flock (split the cost among regulars).

Best practice: Be upfront when posting for subs so everyone knows the deal - Be sure to include 'Subs Needed £[x] in your request when posting - Most players are happy to pay to play an extra game to help out!

Paying for games & umpires

• Captains receive a payment link to their email address provided before the day after the fixture to pay within 24 hours.

• Umpire fees are small (around £1–£1.50 per player) and collected on match night in cash.

Contact & Communication

• League questions: Your FLYT coordinator is your first port of call.

• Team names: Fancy a rebrand? Easy—just let your coordinator know.

• Magic App Log In: Forgot your password? Simply request a password reset and if you're still having trouble, get in touch with us and we can help.

• Venues: All details are in the league’s Facebook group, on our Magic Sports app and via Find Your Flyt page on our website.

Weather delays 🌧️

• [Outdoor] Most matches go ahead in light rain.

• In extreme weather, updates will be posted in your Facebook group and captains will be messaged through Magic Sports and a message will be posted in to the league group at least 2 hours before games.

• Cancelled matches are rescheduled (usually at the end of the season). No payment is taken if the game doesn’t happen but if you have already made your payment, this will be carried over to the date the game is replayed.

More FAQs

• What if one player can’t pay? The team can still play with at least 5. But don't worry, just post in to your league group for subs if needed or contact your coordinator who would be more than happy to help!

• Do individuals pay separately? No, the captain/treasurer manages the match payment by receiving this from the players in the team. Players do need to make sure they have their umpiring cash ready for their match.

• Game limits? No cap—you can play as many as you want!

• Can I join more than one league? Absolutely—spread your wings and play in as many of our Flyt leagues as your week allows.

• Are experienced players welcome?

  Yes! Players who have completed their Take Off season(s) are welcome to join higher-level divisions, such as Top Flyt. However, players from higher-level or more advanced leagues should not play in Take Off divisions, as these are specifically for beginners in their first one or two seasons. This ensures new players have the space and confidence to develop their skills.

• Do you run training sessions? We run skills sessions between seasons and also offer coaching sessions on an adhoc basis along side your leagues - You can find these in our 'Flyt School' section of our website - There is a small charge for these sessions but they are fantastic to level up your skillset.

• What happens at the end of the season? Teams are autmoatically enrolled in to the new season - You can let your coordinator know 4 weeks before.

Staying Connected

• Fixtures and updates are shared in Magic App when you log in and posted in your league’s Facebook group frequently.

• Our Flyt Flock will stop by from time-to-time to make sure everything is running smoothly. You can always reach them via their email which will be shared in to your league groups - Feel free to drop them a message if you need anything or you can contact our head office hey@flytnetball.com

• Feedback is always welcome - We welcome you to message your coordiantor at any time and we will also send out some surveys from time-to-time to make sure we are proving a tip top service.

  
  

✨ At FLYT Netball, running your team isn’t about paperwork or stress—it’s about keeping your flock soaring. Together, we make every season a new adventure and we're always here to help.