The first-ever Menlyn Fast 3 Netball Championships came to an exciting close at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre on Sunday, with four teams crowned champions following a weekend that brought together young athletes, families, schools and netball supporters in celebration of sport and youth development.
The three-day tournament saw 25 teams compete across four age categories, putting their speed, agility, teamwork and decision-making to the test in the fast-paced Fast 3 format.
The weekend winners were:
- U10 – First Place: Jaguars
- U11/12 – First Place: Ramahlala
- U13/14 – First Place: CHC
The runners-up and third-place teams were:
- U10: Second Place – Jens Netball; Third Place – Dr IM
- U11/12: Second Place – Cereal Killers; Third Place – Tigers
- U13/14: Second Place – Hot Shots; Third Place – Makwaraneng
Beyond the competition, the championships were designed to create opportunities for young people to engage with sport, develop their skills and connect with role models within the game. The weekend was further strengthened by the participation of members of the SPAR Proteas, South Africa’s national netball team and the Gauteng Jaguars, giving aspiring young players an opportunity to experience the sport alongside some of its leading talent.
A key component of the initiative was the netball development clinics, which introduced younger children to the fundamentals of the sport in a fun and accessible environment. The clinics formed part of Menlyn Park’s broader community-focused approach to supporting youth development and creating meaningful opportunities for children to participate in sport.
“While competition is an important part of any sporting event, what stood out for us this weekend was the opportunity to create an environment where young people could participate, learn and see what is possible for them,” said Nisha Kemraj, General Manager of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre.
“Congratulations to all of our winners and to every team that took to the court. Winning is certainly something to celebrate, but so is having the courage to participate, the commitment to work as a team and the opportunity to learn from the experience. Having the Proteas and Gauteng Jaguars involved made the weekend even more special because young players could see the level they can aspire to.”
The event also provided an opportunity for families and the wider community to come together around sport, with Menlyn Park transforming its space into a platform for participation, entertainment and connection.
For Menlyn Park, the success of the championships reinforces the centre’s commitment to creating experiences that extend beyond retail and contribute positively to the communities it serves.
“The response to Fast 3 has shown us that there is a real appetite for opportunities that bring youth sport into the heart of the community. We are proud to have created a platform where young players could compete, develop and simply enjoy the game of netball,” concluded Kemraj.
As the inaugural Menlyn Fast 3 Netball Championships come to an end, the focus now turns to celebrating the young athletes who took part and the role that initiatives such as these can play in encouraging the next generation to remain active, pursue their sporting interests and believe in their potential.