PEP Mini Netball was launched in 2023 in partnership with South African Schools Netball (SASN). It is a grassroots development programme that hosts festivals in all 9 provinces for young girls aged u/7, u/8 and u/9. It focuses on fun, inclusive, non-competitive play to teach basic fundamental skills and build confidence for girls from diverse backgrounds.
In 2024, the PEP mini Netball Aim High Coaching sessions were introduced to empower local, grassroots coaches with foundational skills for young players. These sessions are facilitated by experts such as Dumisani Chauke, Elsje Jordaan and Minette Dempsey.
- Objective: To introduce netball at an early age, fostering a love for the sport, teamwork, and foundational skills.
- Age Group: Aimed at girls in U/7, U/8 and U/9.
Want to enter for the festivals?
Schools can make contact with their South African Schools Netball (SASN) provincial manager to enter.
Want to join a coaching session?
Make contact with your South African Schools Netball (SASN) provincial manager. Spaces are limited and subject to availability.
PEP mini Netball Aim High Coaching Sessions have been introduced to empower local netball coaches. It’s a bespoke programme designed for PEP mini Netball coaches to teach foundational netball skills to young players.
There are 9 coaching sessions across South Africa, 1 per province hosted by an expert team with a passion for the sport. The sessions include modern and scientific coaching techniques As advocates for youth development through sports, we are excited to develop the next generation of netball talent.
The coaching sessions are facilitated by:
- Dumisani Chauke (Ambassador)
- Dr Elsje Jordaan
- Minnette Dempsey
Want to join a coaching session?
Make contact with your South African Schools Netball (SASN) provincial manager. Spaces are limited and subject to availability.
Printable Netball Court Template
Download the printable court template here.
Learn the moves to our PEP mini Netball dance
Learn the PEP mini Netball song
PEP mini Netball colouring book
Download the mini netball colouring book here.
PEP MINI 2026 SCHEDULE
| NR | DATE | PROVINCE | TOWN | VENUE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14-Mar-26 | WC | Plettenberg Bay | Plettenberg Bay Primary School | 08:30 - 13:30 |
| 2 | 21-Mar-26 | WC | Somerset West | Somerset College | 08:30 - 13:30 |
| 3 | 21-Mar-26 | NW | Delareyville | Laerskool Delareyville | 8:30-13:30 |
| 4 | 11-Apr-26 | WC | Bredasdorp | Laerskool Bredasdorp | 08:30-13:30 |
| 5 | 11-Apr-26 | GP | Johannesburg | Winchester Ridge Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 6 | 11-Apr-26 | L | Polokwane | Pietersburg English Medium Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 7 | 18-Apr-26 | L | Groblersdal | Laerskool Julian Muller | 08:30-13:30 |
| 8 | 18-Apr-26 | MP | Bethal | M D Coovadia Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 9 | 18-Apr-26 | GP | Roodepoort | Pinnacle College Ridge View | 08:30-13:30 |
| 10 | 18-Apr-26 | GP | Randburg | Laerskool Esparanza | 08:30-13:30 |
| 11 | 18-Apr-26 | FS | Welkom | Welkom Volkskool | 08:30-13:30 |
| 12 | 25-Apr-26 | ES | Mthatha | Transkei Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 13 | 25-Apr-26 | FS | Sasolburg | Primêre Skool Fonteine | 08:30-13:30 |
| 14 | 25-Apr-26 | L | Hoedspruit | Drakensig Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 15 | 27-Apr-26 | NW | Potchefstroom | Laerskool Mooirivier | 08:30-13:30 |
| 16 | 09-May-26 | NW | Brits | Thornhill Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 17 | 09-May-26 | MP | eMalahleni | Laerskool Kragbron | 08:30-13:30 |
| 18 | 09-May-26 | FS | Bloemfontein | Brandwag Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 19 | 09-May-26 | GP | Vanderbijlpark | Vaal Triangle Preparatory School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 20 | 09-May-26 | NC | De Aar | Laerskool de Aar | 08:30-13:30 |
| 21 | 16-May-26 | GP | Johannesburg | Waterstone College High School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 22 | 16-May-26 | L | Thabazimbi | Laerskool Thabazimbi | 08:30-13:30 |
| 23 | 16-May-26 | MP | Mashishing | Laerskool Lydenburg | 08:30-13:30 |
| 24 | 16-May-26 | FS | Harrismith | Harrismith Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 25 | 23-May-26 | FS | Bloemfontein | Onze Rust Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 26 | 23-May-26 | GP | Pretoria | Laerskool Villieria | 08:30-13:30 |
| 27 | 23-May-26 | NC | Kuruman | Laerskool Seodin | 08:30-13:30 |
| 28 | 30-May-26 | NC | Springbok | Hoerskool Namakwaland | 08:30-13:30 |
| 29 | 30-May-26 | KZN | Vryheid | Nuwe Republiek Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 30 | 06-Jun-26 | NC | Hartswater | Laerskool Hartswater | 08:30-13:30 |
| 31 | 06-Jun-26 | WC | Clanwilliam | Augsburg Landbougimnasium | 08:30-13:30 |
| 32 | 06-Jun-26 | GP | Germiston | Colin Mann Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 33 | 13-Jun-26 | GP | Meyerton | Laerskool Risiville | 08:30-13:30 |
| 34 | 16-Jun-26 | NW | Lichtenburg | Laerskool Lichtenburg | 08:30-13:30 |
| 35 | 01-Aug-26 | WC | Worcester | Laerskool Wynland | 08:30-13:30 |
| 36 | 01-Aug-26 | KZN | Hluhluwe | Hluhluwe Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 37 | 08-Aug-26 | WC | Beautfort West | Rustdene Sports Ground | 08:30-13:30 |
| 38 | 15-Aug-26 | KZN | Newcastle | Arbor Park Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 39 | 21-Aug-26 | EC | Butterworth | Butterworth High School | 08:30-13:30 |
| 40 | 26-Aug-26 | EC | Adelaide | Adelaide Primary School | 08:30-13:30 |
What are the PEP mini Netball Festivals?
PEP mini Netball Festivals are uniquely designed netball events in partnership with South African Schools Netball (SASN) where primary school girls between the ages of 8 and 10 partake in organised Netball fixtures. The purpose of the Festivals is to introduce girls to Netball at an early age in order to help them learn and master the basics of the sport.
Who is the sponsor of the PEP mini Netball Festivals?
PEP is the main and only sponsor of the mini Netball Festivals.
Why is PEP sponsoring the mini Netball Festivals?
PEP mini Netball Festivals tie back to their key founding principles of servicing the communities that they operate in and the Festivals speak directly to that. What is special about these Festivals is that not only does it introduce young girls to Netball, but they build self-confidence which is a crucial attribute for a learner and future adult.
Is this project endorsed by the relevant federation?
It all happens under the auspices of South African Schools Netball (SASN).
Is this project endorsed by the relevant federation?
It all happens under the auspices of South African Schools Netball (SASN).
Who is eligible to participate?
The Festivals are designed for primary school girls who are part of a school that is officially registered with the South African Department of Basic Education.
Are boys eligible to participate in the PEP mini Netball Festivals?
The Festivals are currently designed for girls as that is what is currently offered to girls as a sport in most South African primary schools. PEP is however open to extending this to all learners should there be a need, as guided by SASN, participating schools as well as the Department of Basic Education.
What is the selection criteria for schools to form part of the Festivals?
Schools are selected by SASN’s local netball management. School Can contact their provincial manager who will help with team selection by SASN.
Is this a tournament or standalone event?
Each festival that takes place is a singular event as it starts and ends on the same day. The 40 identified Festivals do not affect one another as they are standalone events.
In how many provinces are the festivals hosted?
We are national and hosting festivals in all 9 provinces.
How many games will each team play at these Festivals?
Each team will play 4 games.
Can a district add teams per age group?
No. There are only 10 teams per age group allowed and these are selected by SASN’s local netball management.
Are the Festivals hosted outdoors? If yes, what will happen in the case of a rainy day?
The Festivals are hosted outdoors. We will assess the extent of the rain to determine if matches can take place. If it rains heavily, the festival will be postponed.
Are spectators allowed?
Yes, we encourage spectators to come support each festival.
Are school gazebos allowed?
Yes.
Are parents/spectators allowed to bring gazebos?
Yes, they are allowed to bring in only unbranded gazebos.
Are vendors allowed at the Festivals?
Yes, but without branding. All potential vendors need to liaise with the host school.
Can the host school charge entrance fees to spectators (pedestrians and cars)?
No. Schools are not allowed to charge any entrance fee to the event.
What do the participating players get?
Apart from lots of fun, each player will get playing time, a t-shirt, a meal and other surprises.
How do I apply for my local school to partake?
Make contact with the host school's netball management or school can contact their provincial manager who will help with team selection by SASN.
As a local business, how can I support the initiative?
It is not something we would like to open for external involvement at this stage.
When will the Festivals take place and where?
Fixtures have been included on the PEP website. Please visit this page to view the fixtures.
What time do the Festivals start?
Starting times have been included with fixtures as per above. All weekend fixtures start at 08:30 and midweek festivals start at 09:00. Registration from 08:00.
How much netball experience does my daughter need to have?
There is no netball experience needed. The purpose of the PEP mini Netball Festivals is to help the girls learn netball skills, build self-esteem and enjoy themselves.
What should my daughter wear to the Festival?
Their school kit as well as a comfortable pair of training shoes. Bibs will be provided.
What are the rules of PEP mini Netball?
- Age groups: Age groups: u/7, u/8 and u/9.
- u8 and u9: Goal posts of 2.5m in height and a size 4 ball.
- U10: Normal netball is played but still with the shorter post (2,50m) and a size 5 ball.
- After catching, the ball pass within 5 seconds.
- After catching the ball and gaining balance before passing the ball, the player cannot move from their landing spot
- Strict “one to one” defence play.
- A player may defend an opponent with the ball from a distance of 1.2m.
- A team of up to 8 players must interchange at half time.
- Undefended shot at goal. The GS or GA may not be defended when shooting.
- All playing positions must be rotated during interval.
- Matches shall consist of two halves of 8 minutes with a 2-minute interval between halves.
- Teams must change ends after each half.
- No trophies to be awarded.
- Certificates will be given for participation.
