The Huddersfield Netball League, founded in the 1960s by a dedicated group of young women eager to play competitive netball more regularly, is marking a significant milestone in its long and proud history. What began with local youth club players seeking sponsorship and court space from Huddersfield businesses has since grown into a thriving community league.

Today, the league comprises around 15 clubs, 33 teams and approximately 350 players, reflecting the remarkable passion for netball across the Huddersfield area. After decades of clubs hosting matches at individual home venues, they are preparing for one of its most transformative developments to date.
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The league is delighted to announce a new partnership with Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), which will see all its fixtures played at a single central venue for the first time. Beginning this year, matches will take place at the Huddersfield Leisure Centre, an outstanding facility that offers two adjacent netball courts. This new arrangement will allow for an extensive schedule of matches throughout their summer and winter netball seasons.

Speaking about the development, Michelle Welch, HNL Chair, expressed gratitude to the many people and organisations who have helped bring the vision to life.

“We are thrilled to begin this new chapter with KAL. Their support provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance the experience for players, officials and spectators alike. This partnership represents a major step forward for netball in Huddersfield.

The league also extends sincere thanks to its hardworking committee members for their dedication in securing the agreement. In addition, England Netball has played an instrumental role by bringing all key parties together and continuing its own drive to invest in the future of netball and improve its members' access to excellent facilities, further strengthening the sport’s infrastructure in the region. “We greatly appreciate KAL’s commitment to supporting netball in Huddersfield. We look forward to working together for many years to come as we continue to grow and elevate the sport within our community.”

A KAL spokesperson said:
“KAL is delighted to announce that, from January 2026, we will be working in partnership with the Huddersfield Netball League, who will be hosting all of their league matches at Huddersfield Leisure Centre.
“We’re optimistic that, working together, we can increase the number of clubs, teams and players even further and help support local women and girls to get and stay active. “KAL is proud to support women and girls in this sport and to help promote physical activity, teamwork, and wellbeing.”

Centenary celebrations come to Huddersfield

More exciting netball news for the town is that on Thursday 12 February, Huddersfield will be at the heart of England Netball’s Centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of the people, places and moments that have shaped the game. Kicking off a year-long programme of activity, the National Governing Body will invite guests to Heritage Quay at the University of Huddersfield, where the England Netball Archives will be on display as part of a special six-month residency.
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The event will mark the opening of the History of Netball exhibition, which will be open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, for six months. It will bring together the voices and experiences of the pioneers who shaped the game, while connecting their legacy to the present and future of netball.