The climate in the UAE may still be hot, but this hasn’t stopped Duplays from launching four new netball events which get under way in Dubai this month.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s something for everyone with different level competitions to choose from.
Their Division One will see their competitive standard games played every Monday from August 29 at Emirates International School, while the venue will also host the Sunday recreational league which begins a day earlier.
Matches will also be played at Dubai College with the title up for grabs in the recreational ‘Behind Netball Lines Division Two’ event from August 30.
And for those who want to try out the sport and have fun, then the Social Netball Division Three competition, played every Tuesday, is the one for you.
As the UAE’s largest sport and social club with more than 5,000 members, Duplays know a thing or two about sport.
Their leagues cover a range of sports including volleyball, cricket and badminton, which are hugely popular and netball is no different.
“We’ve been running netball leagues for around three to four years now and every year it’s gone from strength to strength,” said Kris Belen, league administrator at Duplays.
“We’ve seen an encouraging response to team entries and we expect more to come in before the leagues begin.”
The best netball teams in Dubai will be able to fight for glory in the coming weeks.
Players will battle for glory over nine weeks, playing one 40-minute game per week. The top teams will advance to the Cup competition, while the rest will vie for the Plate between weeks seven and nine.
Players must be 18 and over with squads no more than nine. Team entry costs Dh3,900, while individuals (who will be formed into a team) are also welcome to sign up for Dh500.
With a few days to go, Belen insists there are plenty of positives by joining.
“The great thing about the UAE is that it’s very multicultural and we realise that many people have played the sport back home. So now’s a great time to play the sport again especially as it’s the new sports season for us,” she said.
“Even those who’ve never tried the game can join as there are different playing levels to choose from. It’s in two great locations and the players will really enjoy themselves playing on a weekly basis.
“It’s also a good way to make new friends and keep active.”
WHAT: Duplays new netball leagues
WHERE: Emirates International School and Dubai College
WHEN: Starts between August 28 to 30. Runs for nine weeks until October
CONTACT: For more information, visit duplaysdubai.playpass.com