What age can my child start netball in Singapore?

In Singapore, girls can start learning netball as young as 5 years old. At this age, the focus is not on competition or results, but on movement, fun, confidence, and enjoyment. This approach is widely recognised as best practice in youth sport and forms the foundation of how we introduce young children to netball at Singapore Netball Academy.

Why ages 5–7 matter so much

The ages of 5 to 7 represent one of the most important stages in a child’s physical, emotional, and social development. Introducing children to sport during these early years lays the groundwork not only for future sporting ability, but for healthy, confident, and resilient children.

Between the ages of 5 and 7, children are developing key fundamental movement skills, including:

• Running, stopping, and changing direction

• Jumping and landing safely

• Balance, coordination, and body awareness

These skills are essential building blocks for all sports. Children who develop them early find it much easier to learn sports later, while those who miss this stage may struggle with coordination, confidence, and enjoyment when sport becomes more structured in primary school. This is why early sport should always focus on moving well before moving fast.

Our approach: Introduction to Netball

At Singapore Netball Academy, our Under 6 programmes are designed specifically for girls aged 5 and 6, following a developmentally appropriate and child-centred approach that aligns with common international youth sport principles and the MOE-aligned philosophy used in Singapore schools.

At this stage, all sessions are play-based and engaging. Through carefully designed drills and games, players learn:

• Balancing, running, stopping, jumping, and landing safely

• Hand–eye coordination through catching and throwing

• Basic spacing, awareness, and teamwork

• Listening, following instructions, and learning in a group setting

There is no pressure and no scorelines. The goal is to help children feel safe, included, and excited to move. Drills are repeated over the term to allow learning through familiarity, while fun activities, including occasional low-post shooting, help create that joyful feeling of success and confidence when a child scores.

Quality coaching makes the difference

What sets Singapore Netball Academy apart is our student-centric, values-driven coaching approach. Coaches actively control the learning environment and provide a strong safety net that encourages self-discovery and confidence. We recognise that every child is different, with unique strengths, learning styles, abilities, and reasons for playing netball.

Our coaches aim to meet these individual needs while guiding players to work effectively as a team. This allows children to progress at their own pace, build correct technique gradually, and develop self-esteem and enjoyment over time, all while feeling supported.

The wider benefits of sport at this age

Regular sport participation between ages 5 and 7:

• Improves posture, balance, and flexibility

• Strengthens bones and muscles naturally

• Develops basic cardiovascular fitness

• Helps reduce the risk of childhood obesity

At this age, sport should always focus on whole-body movement rather than intense training, ensuring children grow strong in a safe and age-appropriate way.

Final takeaway for parents

Starting netball early can be hugely beneficial, but what matters most is good coaching, a positive environment, and enjoyment of the game. When children feel confident, supported, and happy, they build strong foundations, not just for netball, but for a lifelong love of sport and movement.