Griffith University QISSN Carnival set for major expansion as boys division surges

The upcoming Griffith University QISSN Carnival is shaping as a landmark moment for school sport in Queensland, with the event’s remarkable growth reflecting not only the rising standard of netball, but also the growing demand for inclusive, high-level opportunities for young athletes across the state.

After beginning in 2000 with just 16 teams, QISSN has steadily evolved into one of Australia’s biggest and most respected secondary school netball events. By 2025, the carnival had grown to 76 teams from 65 schools, including 64 girls teams and 12 boys teams.

Now, the next phase is even more ambitious. The 2026 carnival will be hosted by Emmaus College, Jimboomba at Nissan Arena in Brisbane from 28 June to 3 July.  After years of steady growth, the 2026 event will expand to 104 teams, including 80 girls teams and 24 boys teams, marking a major step forward for one of Queensland’s most respected school sporting events.

One of the most powerful signs of that growth is the rise of the boys division. What began with just five boys teams in 2021 has grown into an impressive 24-team competition for 2026, reflecting the increasing demand for inclusive and meaningful sporting pathways for young male netballers. That growth is not just impressive in numbers — it represents a broader commitment to equity in school sport and a recognition that opportunity matters.

QISSN President Janelle Agius said the continued growth of the carnival reflects the strength of school netball across Queensland and the importance of creating spaces where young athletes can thrive. Griffith University’s new naming rights partnership further strengthens that vision, with the university backing an event that champions participation, excellence and future pathways both on and off the court.

The carnival also continues to be strengthened by the support of some of the sport’s most respected names. Vicki Wilson OAM and Tracey Bruce remain closely connected to QISSN as selectors, and more recently the addition of a selector representative from the QLD Suns, alongside support from Netball Queensland and the Queensland Firebirds, helps position the carnival as a genuine pathway for emerging athletes. Together, that support adds even greater credibility and opportunity to an event already recognised as Australia’s premier secondary schools netball competition.

Strong sponsorship remains central to that success. QISSN’s official channels now list Griffith University as naming rights sponsor, with long-standing support also coming from Struddys, Queensland School Photography, Medals and Ribbons, Brisbane Catholic Education and other education and community partners. The event’s sponsor messaging makes clear that these partnerships are about more than logo placement — they directly support participation, accessibility, profile and the continued growth of the carnival.

As the Griffith University QISSN Carnival enters this exciting new phase, its continued growth is opening the door for more young athletes to take part in a competition that is shaping the future of school netball in Queensland. With expanded opportunities for both girls and boys, strong backing from sponsors and sporting leaders, and a clear commitment to equity, inclusion and athlete development, QISSN continues to go from strength to strength.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and support the continued growth of the Griffith University QISSN Carnival, download the sponsor kit HERE.