Barbados ready for Netball World Cup Qualifier

Plans are on track for the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Regional Qualifier Americas, with Barbados set to host the eight-team tournament at the Wildey Gymnasium from October 19 to 26.

Netball Association President Nisha Craigwell said on Thursday that organisers were confident the event would be a success, both on the court and from an organisational standpoint.

Speaking at the official launch at the Barbados Olympic Association headquarters, Craigwell said Barbados was honoured to host the qualifier.

“I never take for granted how blessed we are in Barbados to have the capacity, the people and the facilities required to stage a world-class event.

“Our country has shown time and again that though small in size, we are strong in organisation, hospitality, and sporting spirit,” Craigwell added, while expressing her total confidence in the organising committee.

“There is no doubt in my mind that working together as a unit, we will deliver a world-class event that Barbados and America’s netball family can be proud of. To our Netball Americas regional guests, we are delighted to be your host from October 19 to 26.”

Second Vice President of Netball Americas, Javon Edwards, joined the launch remotely from Japan and thanked Barbados for hosting the qualifier.

“To everyone working behind the scenes to prepare for this important event, your commitment is essential to delivering a qualifier worthy of all the athletes and our region. Thank you Barbados for hosting this event at this last minute,” he said.

The Barbados squad is yet to be named but is expected to contain a good balance of youth and experience. Team manager Lynette Holder, said they are excited to be playing on home turf and predicted a strong performance from her side.

“We have been preparing for this tournament since the beginning of 2026, and throughout that time, we have continued to work on developing both individually and competitively as a team.”

Holder continued, “Coming out of the CAC Games, we were not as successful as we would have wanted, but we had the opportunity to reflect on our performances, identify the areas that needed improvement, and continue working to become a stronger and more competitive team.

“Coming into this qualifier, our objective is clear, we want to finish first.”

When play tips off during the qualifiers, the eight teams will be vying for the two available qualifying spots, with Barbados currently ranked 19th in the world.

According to head of the local organising committee Tracey Leacock, while all games will be played at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, the teams will practice at the newly redeveloped multisport facility at Waterford.

“As you would have heard, the participating countries are the British Virgin Islands, Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, USA and of course, Barbados.

“The tournament format is round robin, which translates into 28 games, over seven playing days with a rest day on Thursday, October 22.  We have over 150 volunteers who will be responsible for the operations of all aspects of this tournament, and I am confident that they will perform at a high level to make this experience memorable for all.”

(KH)