Youplaynetball Reviews 

There are lots of companies out there that can Organize a netball league. What makes these ladies different is the community and the reason behind it. It creates a genuine space for women who might otherwise not be exercising at all. For me, that makes it more than a league it makes it a movement.

I volunteered my time to umpire for the You Play Netball league at Backwell School. Along with another umpire,, we gave up playing for our own teams so that the league could continue running.

Unfortunately, after what I believe were several accidents on court, we raised concerns about player safety and asked whether there was a first aid kit available. The response we received in my experience was , “That’s not your problem.” As volunteers responsible for overseeing matches, this was extremely concerning and made us feel uncomfortable continuing to umpire.

After deciding to stop umpiring because of these concerns, we were informed by another player that we had been banned from playing in the league. We were never officially notified of this decision or provided with any explanation or reference to a rule or policy. We were simply told that the reason was that we had “not supported” the league, despite the fact that we had sacrificed playing for our own teams to help keep the league running.

This review isn’t because I want to return to the league—I don’t. It’s because I don’t want other volunteers or players to be treated the way we were. In my opinion Volunteers should be valued, player safety should be taken seriously, and decisions affecting players should be communicated openly and professionally.

Along side that in my experience the games are cancelled last minute very often!
After stopping umpiring we would turn up whilst I was still playing and the umpire would have no ball!

I have submitted a formal complaint and requested that it be reviewed by someone independent, as I believe these concerns deserve to be properly addressed.

What makes YPN better for me is that it understands not everyone wants serious, highly competitive netball. There are already plenty of places for that. You play netball creates a genuine space for women who want to exercise, make new friendships and play a great game without the pressure

I debated whether to write this, but I think balanced experiences matter.
I read some strong negative reviews before joining and nearly didn't sign up. My actual experience during sessions has been completely different.
Everything is clearly explained, expectations are set from the start, and the atmosphere is competitive but respectful. That might not suit everyone - but it suits me perfectly.
There's something refreshing about being part of a space where negativity isn't entertained

The culture is what makes this special. Competitive but respectful, and everything runs smoothly each week

My team joined this company as we are all middle aged women wanting a fun evening socialising and playing a sport we enjoy. Into the 3rd season with this company we were then disqualified and kicked out the league for scoring too many goals!!!! They advertise as "all abilities welcome" yet discriminate against teams thay know how to shoot. The Umpires can't keep score, have one set of rules for one team and different rules for another during the games and are very rude. I would not recommend using this company if you're looking for a fun, socialable and friendly experience.

There's something powerful about a sports hall full of women
choosing encouragement over ego.
The atmosphere is uplifting.

I was unsure about what to expect. But recommend these sessions to anyone wanting exercise with like minded people. Its just what the people of Bury has been missing

I was slightly nervous after reading a few reviews, but my experience from session one has been welcoming and well organised

I wanted to write this properly because I nearly didn't join after reading a few mixed reviews. I sat in my car before my first session genuinely debating whether to go in. I'm so glad I trusted my instinct instead.From the moment I walked into the hall, the atmosphere felt organised but relaxed. The statt introduced themselves explained how the evening would run and made sure new players weren't left awkwardly standing on the side.It was competitive - which I like - but also respectful. No shouting, no eye-rolling no nonsense.
What stands out most is the culture. Standards are clear. It something isn't aligned with the values it's addressed. That makes the environment feel safe and positive for everyone else

What's been created here genuinely feels like a movement I joined because I missed playing netball. What I didn't expect was to find a group of women who cheer each other on during sessions. It's competitive, yes - but it's not toxic.
The organisers are visible and involved They communicate clearly and don't shy away from setting boundaries. Without that you wouldn't get this atmosphere.

You can't build a positive community without boundaries.
The team are firm but fair - and that's exactly why the sessions feel good every week.

Occasionally sessions run slightly over time, but you can tall a lot of care goes into organizing everything.

I'm 52 and hadn't played GA since my twenties. I expected to feel out of place. Instead, I felt welcomed and encouraged from the very first session.
The standard is good - but the energy is positive. You can tell the culture has been shaped deliberately.
l've seen organisers handle tension calmly when it arises. They're fair and protective of the wider group.
It's energised me physically and mentally.

Organised, welcoming and genuinely supportive from the moment you walk in.

Very disappointing experience – entire league left due to ongoing issues

Unfortunately our experience with You Play Netball has been extremely poor.

Over the course of the season there were multiple organisational and safety issues. Matches were regularly played with only one umpire present when there should have been two, which made games difficult to manage and often inconsistent. On one occasion a player fell and severely sprained her ankle, yet there was no one present with first aid training to assist.

There were also several administrative problems. Games were sometimes cancelled without teams being informed, meaning we arrived at the venue unnecessarily. On another occasion we turned up ready to play and no netball had been provided.

After repeated issues and attempts to raise concerns, all six teams in our league made the decision to leave. Instead of addressing the feedback, the team captains then received threatening letters demanding thousands of pounds in damages because we had chosen to leave the league.

To make matters worse, they are currently refusing to refund money owed to me unless their bibs are returned first. At the time this was raised, there was nothing in their published terms and conditions stating that bibs had to be returned before a refund would be issued. When this was challenged, the terms and conditions were subsequently updated to include this requirement.

Overall this has been an extremely disappointing experience. The concept of social netball leagues is a good one, but it relies heavily on good organisation, safety standards, and responsive customer service. If those areas had been handled better, none of the teams would have felt the need to leave.

Based on our experience, I would strongly advise others to proceed with caution.

Really poor communication, multiple times we arrived and there was no court or umpires. Teams who won never got medals but others did. Really poor communication whenever an issue arises. Been playing for a year but leaving this league now as it’s no longer an enjoyable experience.

I truly wished I'd read the reviews before joining this shocking company to play netball in their Bedford leagues...... Follow a complaint to Natalie in head office ( as Captain) on the unsafe state of the courts they had moved us to outside I was placed on a final warning following a 2 sided heated discussion. I stepped down as Captain to minimise contact with her in the future.
A week later we were required to play on an alternative outside court once again. A single unqualified umpire and atrocious weather caused my team to challenge some missed decisions. I hasten to add not me. Instead of following their own documented rules the umpire did not use any sanctions or penalties in the game. Our new Captain was spoken to at the end of the game. Fast forward to the following day and the whole team were removed from the Thursday league. This was all done in the space of 2 hours so no investigation was completed. Just Natalie's decision being final.
The remainder of the team are allowed to play on an alternative day with their other teams. For me, as I was on her self determined 'final warning', am banned from all matches. A team member was advised by Natalie there is no one above her to complain to so a formal complaint is frankly a waste of time.
Play at your own risk. The ladies and most umpires are great. The head office team, especially Natalie, and their lack of fair process are shocking. This seems to be a repeated pattern where teams are removed with no fair investigations completed and no right of appeal.

Please stay away. Save yourself the agony.

I played at the Bishop Stortford league from when it started in April 2025. I just left last month.

All seemed well and I was very keen to get back to netball after many years off. It was really helping my mental health more than anything. Things started to get toxic with one team in particular for all involved playing the league. The league gave them a written warning earlier in the year. More issues all with one common denominator- this same team. Many complained but nothing further was done. The team stayed.

I had issues with this team and their behaviours so I wrote directly to the league spelling out what my experience was. They said they would get back to me by the end of the week. This passed so I followed up and I told them if the outcome involved keeping that team I would have to leave. The response I received was curt and frankly rude siting personal issues causing delays. They also
stated that if the league is not for me then they would understand….Wow. Why not let me know in advance that there is a delay? I am your paying customer? This is not how you run a business.

The following week a long message was sent on the captains chat by the league- basically another blanket ‘warning’ to all of mainly about behaviours and what would and wouldn’t be tolerated ( but this message to me was tolerating it and worse, enabling it!). No further action was taken. This was hugely disappointing. I left that week as I could not bear being in that environment anymore. It was draining me mentally. The opposite reason for being there personally.

I have been very brief and not shared full details. When I tell you it’s not safe I mean it. The perception they have created is they only care about the money. There have been more injuries in this one league in less than a year than any others I have been part of. It’s diabolical. Everything is the players fault. If you voice your opinion publicly they take it personally and attack you. Saying you should go to them direct… nah if it affects everyone when there is poor or no management it should be public. Why should messages be sent privately- to save face?

This is not a cautionary tale- it’s real. Stay away.

Had a very bad experience with these for no reason. How they have conducted them selves with our team. We were top of the league and threw us for no reason. Poor umpires who were stopping and starting games. Have threatened our captain for complaining to them not a way to run a business.