Creating a Unique Custom Netball for Your Netball Club

Stand out on the court with a custom netball that show your netball club's unique identity.  Custom netballs offer practical, money-saving benefits: other team’s will not accidently use (or take home) your balls and keeping track of ball stock and age is a lot easier and players.  Just as important is the way custom netballs can build pride and unity within your club.  Custom balls are part of your club’s visual identity, just like your signage, website and uniforms.  Building a netball club’s branding will enhance standing with players, supporters and your community.  So how do you design the perfect custom netball for your club?

This article will guide you through the process of creating a custom netball for your club.

Step 1: Who Is Involved?

Before you do too much work, find out who from the club needs to be involved. Has the committee approved the spend?  Who is going to create the design? Who in the committee will need to approve the design?  Do you need to get approval from competition officials?  While you’re asking these key questions, use the time to check if there’s anything else important for the design (e.g. does your association have rules about what colours balls can be). 

Step 2: Sponsors

Adding sponsor logos to custom balls is a great way to raise funds to pay for the balls, as well as offering local businesses an opportunity to support your club.  There is space on custom netballs for up to 4 sponsors, so approach them early to ensure you can take advantage of any interest and the funding benefits. Remember sponsors need to provide good quality logos to print on to the balls so aim to get the logo files from them as soon as possible. 

Step 2: Unleash Your Creativity!

If you’re not sure about where to start, try using template designs on our website https://kpisports.com.au/pages/kit-builder#/catalogue/netball , or check our social media pages to see what other clubs have done.  If you’re still undecided, we recommend narrowing it down to two options and getting feedback from your club.  

Here are the key elements to consider when working on your design. 

• Colors: Key questions to answer are

• Contrast colours – these are usually your club’s secondary club colour sThis is your base. Use your club's primary and secondary colors to create a vibrant design.
• Logos: Look at the shape of the ball’s panels and available space.  Which logos will fit best, in which position (this also applies to sponsor logos).  For example if the panels are a round or pentagonal shape, choose a stacked logo so that it fits nicely within the panel.   
• Lettering Matters: Add your club name or nickname, an important date or motivational quote to make the ball design especially unique.
• Panel size: Because netballs are constructed as stitched rubber panels, be careful about what designs go across stitching.  Large solid prints or colour work well across stitch lines, fine lines or text work less well. 

Step 3: Finding the Perfect Fit

Do your research when finding the right custom netball manufacturer for you. Different suppliers will offer options so make sure you are clear about what your netball club needs.  Here are some key points to consider:

• Customization Options: Is your design achievable on the supplier’s product?
• Minimum Order Quantity: Does the supplier’s minimum order quantity meet your needs?  Make sure you understand how the minimum quantity applies to ball sizes (the supplier should provide clear information about this).
• Ball Quality Counts: Suppliers may offer different quality of balls e.g. training quality versus match quality.  Ball material and construction, plus grip quality and style are important points to enquire about. 
• Pricing and Turnaround Time: Get quotes and compare before making a decision.  Be very clear about when you need the balls – the timeframe for suppling custom netballs is longer than other products so make sure you ask this question upfront.  

Step 4: Samples 

Most reputable manufacturers will have sample netballs that you can view and test before placing a full order. This allows you to assess the quality, color accuracy, and overall design execution.

Bonus Tip:

Get creative! Raffles, silent auctions, or even selling limited-edition netballs are great ways to generate additional revenue for your club.  Custom netballs can also be fantastic option for end of season gifts or as part of club sign-on packs.  

Designing custom netballs is a rewarding experience, and it’s a great feeling to see your finished product on court.  . So put on your design hat and get started on creating the perfect netball for your netball club!