Panthers open up new pathway

North Lakes Panthers, the indoor netball club based at Northside Indoor Sports and Fitness, has launched an outdoor team.

Players have signed up - and more are welcome - as Panthers prepare for grading at Caboolture Netball Association (CNA).

Tess Brown, owner of Northside Indoor Sport and Fitness, says with the players on their roster, Panthers may be in division two.

Eight of the new team's players were selected for the 2025 rep season last month.

“As soon as we registered, we had calls from people saying they are keen to come our way,” Tess said.

“Our plan for the rest of the year is to have a successful first season at CNA and hopefully have teams make the finals.”

Launching an outdoor team also gives players at Northside Indoor Sports a pathway, said Tess, who has umpired at three indoor world cups.

“It was about getting outdoor (players) to come to indoor and those indoor that may want to play outdoor,” she said.

“It’s really good now we have it and to be able to offer them pathways.”

Panthers' foundation outdoor players will have a chance to play at the junior State trials for Queensland indoor selection ... and an overseas trip.

In November, Panthers plan to cross the Pacific and enter an open tournament in Dallas, Texas.

“Our girls are just under the age to go, but because they are rep players, organisers are allowing them to play,” Tess said.

“There will be grading, then the tournament starts. It will be an experience-and-a-half for the kids …. and has always been on my bucket list.”

Panthers is hoping to secure sponsors and subsidise places for players who "would not ordinarily get this opportunity" in such competitions.

For further information on North Lakes Panthers, how to join and become a sponsor, phone 0421 069633 or email northlakespanthers@gmail.com