2025 Netball World Youth Cup Results
Australia won the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup on 28 September 2025, defeating New Zealand 63–48 in the final at Europa Sports Park, Gibraltar.
The victory delivered Australia's fifth World Youth Cup title and denied New Zealand a historic third consecutive championship.
Head Coach Cathy Fellows guided a talented Australian squad to the gold medal across a tournament featuring 18 nations and 57 matches over nine days.
Key Takeaways
- Australia defeated New Zealand 63–48 in the final on 28 September 2025.
- Lily Graham was named Player of the Tournament.
- Australia dominated the third quarter, outscoring New Zealand 20–9.
- England secured third place after defeating South Africa 55–35.
- The tournament took place in Gibraltar from 19 to 28 September 2025.
What Is the Netball World Youth Cup?
The Netball World Youth Cup is an international under-21 tournament organised by World Netball.
The competition brings together national teams from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
First held in 1988, the tournament provides an important international pathway for young players transitioning towards senior international netball.
The ninth edition took place from 19 to 28 September 2025 in Gibraltar.
Matches were played at two venues:
- Europa Sports Park
- Tercentenary Sports Hall
Eighteen nations competed in the tournament following the withdrawal of Sri Lanka and Zambia.
How Did Australia Win the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup?
Australia won the championship through impressive teamwork, attacking speed, accurate shooting and strong defensive pressure.
Head Coach Cathy Fellows built a competitive squad featuring several players with experience in the Suncorp Super Netball environment.
Australia progressed through the tournament unbeaten and eventually faced defending champions New Zealand in the final.
New Zealand had won the previous two editions in 2013 and 2017 and entered the final hoping to secure a historic third consecutive title.
However, Australia's second-half performance proved decisive.
Australia vs New Zealand Final Results
The final was played on Sunday, 28 September 2025, at Europa Sports Park in Gibraltar.
Final Score: Australia 63–48 New Zealand
| Quarter | Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 15 | 14 |
| Q2 | 12 | 11 |
| Q3 | 20 | 9 |
| Q4 | 16 | 14 |
| Final | 63 | 48 |
New Zealand started strongly and challenged Australia during the opening quarter.
Australia gradually gained control and entered half-time with a 27–25 advantage.
The third quarter changed the match. Australia scored 20 goals while restricting New Zealand to just nine.
Australia maintained its advantage in the final quarter to secure a memorable 63–48 victory.
Who Were Australia's Key Players?
Lily Graham
Lily Graham was named Player of the Tournament. Her accurate long-range shooting and consistent attacking performances played an important role in Australia's successful campaign.
Charlotte Sexton
Charlotte Sexton played an important role in Australia's defensive structure, helping restrict New Zealand's scoring opportunities.
Hope White
Hope White's introduction at wing attack during the third quarter helped Australia increase its attacking momentum in the final.
New Zealand's Journey to the Final
New Zealand reached the championship match after defeating England 51–49 in a closely contested semi-final on 27 September 2025.
Captain Amelia Walmsley led the New Zealand team throughout the competition.
The team entered the final with hopes of winning its third consecutive World Youth Cup title.
However, Australia's dominant third-quarter performance ended those hopes.
How Did England Claim Bronze?
England finished third at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup after defeating South Africa 55–35 in the bronze-medal match.
England had narrowly lost to New Zealand 51–49 in the semi-final but recovered to secure a podium finish.
South Africa finished fourth following its defeat in the third-place match.
Top Four Final Placings
| Position | Team | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Australia | Gold Medal |
| 2nd | New Zealand | Silver Medal |
| 3rd | England | Bronze Medal |
| 4th | South Africa | Fourth Place |
Why Was the 2025 World Youth Cup Historically Significant?
Australia's victory carried considerable historical importance.
The championship delivered Australia's fifth Netball World Youth Cup title and prevented New Zealand from winning three consecutive championships.
The competition also provided an opportunity for emerging international players to demonstrate their talent on the global stage.
The Gibraltar tournament was particularly significant following World Netball's plans to restructure its international competition calendar.
What Does This Mean for Australian Netball?
Australia's 2025 World Youth Cup victory highlighted the strength of its developing player pathway.
Several members of the squad had experience in senior training environments, helping them compete against the world's best young players.
The success also demonstrated the importance of under-21 international competitions in preparing athletes for senior international netball.
Final Placings – 2025 Netball World Youth Cup
The following table shows the final tournament standings.
| Rank | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Australia |
| 2 | New Zealand |
| 3 | England |
| 4 | South Africa |
| 5 | Jamaica |
| 6 | Scotland |
| 7 | Malawi |
| 8 | Cook Islands |
| 9 | Samoa |
| 10 | Wales |
| 11 | Fiji |
| 12 | Malaysia |
| 13 | Tonga |
| 14 | Singapore |
| 15 | Trinidad and Tobago |
| 16 | Gibraltar |
| 17 | Northern Ireland |
| 18 | Barbados |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup?
Australia won the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup after defeating New Zealand 63–48 in the final on 28 September 2025.
Where was the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup held?
The tournament was held in Gibraltar from 19 to 28 September 2025. Matches took place at Europa Sports Park and Tercentenary Sports Hall.
Who was named Player of the Tournament?
Lily Graham of Australia was named Player of the Tournament following her impressive performances throughout the competition.
How many teams competed in the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup?
Eighteen teams competed in the tournament after the withdrawal of Sri Lanka and Zambia.
What was the final score between Australia and New Zealand?
Australia defeated New Zealand 63–48 in the championship final.
Who finished third in the tournament?
England secured third place after defeating South Africa 55–35 in the bronze-medal match.
Will there be another Netball World Youth Cup?
World Netball has announced changes to its international event calendar. The future schedule for another Netball World Youth Cup has not been confirmed.
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