A sport born of rebellion
Martina Bergman Osterberg was far from a quiet figure. In the late 1890s, she leveraged her Physical Training College in Dartford to establish the groundwork for netball, a sport that started as a women-specific variation of basketball. Through her work, netball became a powerful symbol for women to showcase physical strength and autonomy, challenging the societal norms that constrained women's participation in sports at that time.
Osterberg's vision went well beyond the field of play. Her goal was to create what she described as 'physically perfect' women, who would be equipped to lead physical education programs in schools and communities. She firmly opposed traditional teaching styles and firmly believed that women should be the ones to lead and train their own fitness regimes.
From playground to global arena
The roots of netball are closely linked to basketball, which was invented by James Naismith in 1891. Osterberg came across the sport during a visit to Chicago in 1893 and decided to modify it to suit the physical capabilities and needs of women. By 1895, her students were already playing the game on the college lawn, using small balls and tossing them into waste paper baskets fixed on poles. This laid the foundation for a sport that evolved quickly.
Professionalism and progress
Netball has always been a women-led sport, both on and off the court. The Netball Super League in the UK is currently in its second year of a 10-year initiative to professionalize the game. The first year of this plan saw a significant 45% increase in attendance, as the public began to take notice of the sport's rising popularity and progress.
Earnings in the sport are still a topic of discussion. In Australia's Suncorp Super Netball, top performers are rumored to be earning close to six figures, while those in the Netball Super League typically earn just over five figures, with many needing to work additional jobs to make ends meet. Despite this, the sport is on an upward trajectory, with full-time marquee players receiving better compensation.
The upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2026 represent a significant step forward for netball, and there are even plans for a debut at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. The sport, once confined to school playgrounds and local sports halls, is now being showcased in major arenas and to bigger audiences.
The evolution of netball from its origins to a professional sport reflects a journey of resilience and progress. Osterberg's vision, rooted in empowerment and physical excellence, has laid the foundation for a sport that continues to grow and challenge expectations. With increased visibility at major events like the Commonwealth Games and the potential for inclusion in the Olympics, netball is setting its sights on a broader stage than ever before.
Osterberg's influence also extended to her approach to education and physical training. She was dedicated to the Swedish system of gymnastics, which focused on anatomical correctness and apparatus-free exercises. Her methods were revolutionary and helped shape the way physical education for women was perceived and taught in Britain.
She was known to be a strong and assertive leader, often pushing against the prevailing norms that suggested men were better suited to train women. Her students, typically in their late teens, were seen as trailblazers, with one magazine describing them as 'teachers in embryo... This was during a time when women engaging in sports often faced criticism and disapproval.
Osterberg's bold leadership and belief in her vision played a key role in redefining women's roles in British sports. Her ability to adapt and refine basketball into netball was a testament to her innovative spirit. By integrating elements such as goal scoring, banned dribbling, and the use of rings with nets instead of bins, she created a sport that was uniquely suited to women's physical capabilities.
The sport's international appeal was also crucial to its growth. By 1901, the first formal set of rules was established, and countries such as Australia and New Zealand had joined in. This global standardization allowed for the creation of a World Cup in 1963, which has since been held every four years.
Osterberg's influence extended to the selection of students for her college. She was selective, favoring those from the middle and upper classes, stating that elementary school girls were 'absolutely unfit to be trained... their muscles have been starved from babyhood.' Her philosophy was grounded in the belief that women could and should be leaders in their own fitness and education journeys.
As netball moves into the professional era, the sport is not just about athleticism and competition. It is a symbol of progress, breaking barriers, and challenging outdated assumptions about women's roles in sports. With increased investment, visibility, and the support of major events, netball is poised to become a global phenomenon.
From its early days as a modified version of basketball to its current status as a professional sport with global aspirations, netball has come a long way. It continues to inspire and empower, with a rich history of innovation, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. As the sport prepares to take center stage at the Commonwealth Games and beyond, its legacy and future look brighter than ever.
