Men’s Netball Growth In The Military

There’s no doubt that men’s netball is growing fast. From the increased numbers of men playing netball regularly to the announcement from World Netball that there will soon be a men’s Netball World Cup, the sport is developing and attracting more men onto court. And that drive to open doors to netball for men is being led by many passionate advocates of the sport, all of whom are working hard to provide as many opportunities as possible. One of these is Doug McKay, joint lead for men’s pathway in the Royal Air Force Netball Association, who is hosting a Netball Development Day for men from all the UK services at RAF Cosford later this month. We caught up with Doug to find out more and started by asking him about men’s netball in the UK military…

Men’s Netball In The Forces

“Netball has been a big part of military sport in the UK for a long time but for the men, it’s still in its infancy,” says Doug. “Over the last couple of years, the Army have created a men’s squad and have competed in the EMMNA league and at the National Championships. The RAF men’s team has been together for two seasons now, and whilst the Navy don’t currently have a men’s squad, this is hopefully something that they will look at in the future too.”

Instagram Reel: Army & RAF men 2024 annual inter-services netball championship:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4Yf99vslvV/

The Army and RAF men played their first match as part of the annual inter-services netball championship in 2024 and the fixture was part of the programme again this year. Several of the men also play with civilian teams such as West Cheshire Warriors and Thames Mavericks in the EMMNA leagues and Doug hopes the upcoming development day will encourage more men to try netball.

“The day is aimed at all abilities, from total newbies and men that would like to try a completely new sport through to guys that currently play on base or for civilian teams,” he says. “We want to promote all levels of men’s netball from grassroots on stations to open squads and elite representation.”

“We’re also keen to create a pathway for men playing netball, from grassroots participation to elite competition, to show there’s room huge opportunities for the growth of men’s netball in the military to some who might think it’s not possible.”

Why Men’s Netball Is the Ultimate Team Sport

Doug came to netball from rugby 3 years ago, starting his netball journey at RAF Brize Norton, where he was the only man at training sessions. Thankfully, support from his coach and female players there encouraged him to keep playing and he’s now represented the RAF at inter-services as well as playing with Thames Mavericks in the EMMNA league. The 2025 National Championships will be his second with the club and he’s also just completed his Level One coaching course.

“I love everything about netball! It’s a game that needs all 7 players – everyone will have different roles on court but they must come together to act as one unit, it’s the ultimate team sport. There’s also a fantastic feeling of being part of a group and belonging to something special.”

“I also love mixed netball. Having men and women on court at the same time is great. Everyone is equal and everyone can showcase their skills in a team environment.”

“My dream would be to have a men’s UK Armed Forces (UKAF) team competing against other high level men’s teams from around the world in friendlies and tournaments, just like the women’s UKAF team does. I want there to be pathways so, as the men’s game evolves, we can help the sport grow. The ultimate dream is for men’s netball to be integrated into the annual three-day inter-services tournament, with a men’s team from the Army, RAF and the Navy. I’m determined to do everything I can to make that happen.”

Doug, we salute you and we’re supporting you every step of the way.