DPNA Development Programs

DOWNEY DRAGON ACADEMY (DDA)

Designed for players born in 2016 (10yrs) and 2015 (11yrs) from all DPNA-affiliated clubs and grades/divisions.

OVERVIEW
This program runs alongside the DPNA Summer Blast but is not part of the competition itself. Players attend skill-focused training sessions to develop fundamental skills, which they then apply in games against other DDA teams. Three intensive Sunday specialist sessions further expand knowledge, foster skill development and promote on-court growth. Players rotate teams throughout the program to gain exposure to different coaches, build friendships and experience playing with a variety of teammates.

Player Skills Session & Parent Q&A
Thursday | 8 October | 5:45-7:30pm

6x Pre-Game Skill Sessions & Games
#1 | Thursday 15 October | 5:45-7:30pm
#2 | Thursday 22 October | 5:45-7:30pm
#3 | Thursday 29 October | 5:45-7:30pm
#4 | Thursday 5 November | 5:45-7:30pm
#5 | Thursday 12 November | 5:45-7:30pm
#6 | Thursday 19 November | 5:45-7:30pm
Wet weather back-up | Thursday 26 November | 5:45-7:30pm

3x Sunday Specialist Skill Sessions
#1 | Sunday 18 Oct, 8:00-10:00am
#2 | Sunday 1 November | 8:00-10:00am
#3 | Sunday 15 November | 8:00-10:00am

Please note: DDA is not a requirement for selection into the 2027 DPNA Junior Representative Program, and participation alone does not guarantee selection.

TRIALS
Both trials will take place at DPNA on Courts 1 - 5.
Trial #1 | Sunday 2 August | 8:00am - 10:00am*
Trial #2 | Sunday 9 August | 8:00am - 10:00am*

*Trials may finish earlier or later depending on participant numbers.

Please discuss your player's two preferred playing positions during registration. Players may be trialled, selected or required to play in alternative positions at the discretion of DDA selectors and officials.

Trial nominations close | Friday 31 July | 5:00pm

TRIAL FEES
Free.

DDA FEES
For selected participants, the total 2026 DDA fee (inc. green training singlet) is $265.

DDA PHOTOGRAPHY CONSENT
DPNA will be taking photos at trials and throughout the DDA program for promotional purposes. If you do not consent to your child's image being used, please notify us via email at repinfo@downeypark.com.au

Designed for players born in 2017 (8yrs) and 2018 (9yrs) from all DPNA-affiliated clubs and grades/divisions.
This 3 week program focuses on developing FUNdamental netball skills and transitioning these skills into practical court application during game play. Little Dragons sessions are facilitated by experienced DPNA coaches and DPNA GBNL Representative players.

PROGRAM 1 DATES
Monday 8 June, 5:30pm - 6:30pm | FUNdamental skills of netball
Monday 15 June, 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Attacking
Monday 22 June, 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Defending

PROGRAM 2 DATES
Monday 13 July, 5:30pm - 6:30pm | FUNdamental skills of netball
Monday 20 July, 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Attacking
Monday 27 July, 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Defending

COST
$120 per program.
Payment plans available.

REGISTRATION CLOSES
Registration will close at 9:00am on Sunday 7 June 2026, or earlier if age group capacity is reached.

Any questions please contact repinfo@downeypark.com.au

The Developing Dragons program has been designed for 10 & 11 years players (born 2016 & 2015) from all DPNA affiliated clubs & all grades/divisions. Each session focuses on the fundamental skills and structures of netball, guided by the Netball Australia Skills Development Framework and facilitated by experienced DPNA coaches.

Players will advance their attacking, defensive and specialist unit skills and strategies, culminating in court application for advanced skill development.

Session 1 and 2 docus on fundamental attacking and defensive skills across the whole court, while sessions 3, 4 and 5 are specialist sessions, targeted for each playing unit.

Players can register in one, some or all five sessions.

SESSIONS
#1 (Attack) Tue 21 Jul, 5:30-7:00pm
#2 (Defence) Tue 28 Jul, 5:30-7:00pm
#3 (Specialist - Shooting) Tue 4 Aug, 5:30-7:00pm
#4 (Specialist - Midcourt) Tue 11 Aug, 5:30-7:00pm
#5 (Specialist - Circle Defence) Tue 18 Aug, 5:30-7:00pm

COST
$40 per session.

REGISTRATION CLOSES
Registration will close at 9:00am on the day of each session, or earlier if age group capacity is reached.

Any questions please contact repinfo@downeypark.com.au