About Netball at Exeter
The University of Exeter Netball Club is one of the largest, most successful, and most socially active sports clubs at the university. The 1st VII competes in the BUCS South West Premier Division and is consistently one of the stronger university netball programmes in the region. Four competitive BUCS teams (1st through 4th VIIs) give players at every level a genuine competitive outlet — from Premier-level athletes to those who haven't played since school and want to return to the game. Multiple Exeter Netball alumni have played in the Superleague academies and regional NPL programmes. The club's social culture is exceptional — events are some of the most attended in the university's sporting calendar and the sense of community within the club is one of its defining characteristics.
Club History
Exeter Netball has been a consistent fixture at the top of South West university netball for over 15 years. The 1st VII's Premier Division status has been maintained across multiple seasons, and the club has produced players who have gone on to play in England Netball's NPL (National Performance League) and Superleague academies. The four-team structure was developed to ensure the club could accommodate its 150+ membership while maintaining competitive standards at every level. The club's social traditions — club nights, end-of-year dinners, touring — are as much a part of Exeter Netball's identity as the competitive programme.
Joining the Netball Club
Trials in September at Streatham Sports Park. Four teams with separate trials operating on a cascading basis — players not selected for higher squads are automatically assessed for lower squads. The women's programme is committed to providing competitive netball for all members regardless of standard. A social mixed netball programme runs in parallel for students who want to play without BUCS competitive pressure.
Training
1st VII trains three times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday morning). Development VIIs train twice per week. 75-minute sessions covering centre passes, positional rotations, attacking and defensive patterns, and competitive practice games. England Netball Level 2+ coaches work with the 1st VII. Wednesday afternoons are BUCS fixture days.
BUCS Competition
BUCS South West Netball Conference — 1st VII in Premier, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th VIIs in Division 1-3. BUCS fixtures October through April with Wednesday afternoon slots. Top Premier teams advance to BUCS Netball Championship finals. The club also enters England Netball affiliated competitions supplementing the BUCS programme.
Teams
Highlights & Alumni
1st VII in BUCS South West Premier Division, consistently one of the stronger South West programmes. Multiple alumni in Superleague academies and NPL programmes. 150+ member club community. Social culture that is among the strongest at any sports club in the university.
Tips for Prospective Members
- Pennsylvania Road, St James, and Heavitree all have strong netball communities — group house booking is a tradition, start the process early
- 2nd, 3rd, and 4th VIIs are highly competitive — initial squad placement is a starting point for development
- The social calendar is one of the best at Exeter — club events are among the most popular at the university
- England Netball Level 2+ coaches work with the 1st team — use every interaction for development
- The BUCS Netball Championship finals weekend is one of the best events of the year — aim to qualify from day one
Student Accommodation for Netball Players
All three main student areas — Pennsylvania Road, St James, and Heavitree — have large netball player populations. Multiple teams have strong traditions of squad members living together on specific streets, and Gillams has placed netball player groups in Pennsylvania Road properties for many years. The strong community bonds within the club naturally lead to large group house arrangements of 6–8 players.
View Properties Near the University →Popular Areas for Netball Players
Most University of Exeter netball players live in one of these student areas — all within easy reach of Streatham Campus and Sports Park:
Related Sports at Exeter University
If you play netball you may also be interested in these Exeter University clubs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exeter University Netball Club competitive at BUCS level?
Yes — the 1st VII is in BUCS South West Premier and is one of the consistently stronger South West programmes. Multiple alumni have played in England Netball's NPL and Superleague academies.
How many netball teams does Exeter University field?
Four competitive BUCS teams (1st–4th VIIs) plus social mixed netball. Competitive netball for 150+ members across all ability levels.
What is the social culture like at Exeter University Netball Club?
One of the best at any sports club at Exeter. Club events are among the most attended at the university and the sense of community is a defining feature of the programme.
Can I rejoin netball at Exeter after a break from the sport?
Yes — the cascading trial structure and the 3rd and 4th VII programmes are specifically designed to provide competitive netball for players returning after a gap.
Where do Exeter University netball players live?
Pennsylvania Road, St James, and Heavitree all have large netball communities. Squad members traditionally live together in 6–8 bed group houses, booking in October/November of first year.
Have Exeter University netball players gone on professionally?
Yes — multiple alumni have played in England Netball's National Performance League (NPL) and Superleague academies. The coaching pathway at 1st team level provides genuine development for talented players.