Gloucestershire Netball

History of the County

1895 Madame Osterberg’s brought game to this country deriving from game called Basket Ball from USA
1900 250 copies of the first set of published rules were produced by the Physical Education Association
1926 An inaugural meeting in London forms the All England Netball Association (AENA)
1932 First Inter County Tournament held
15 May 1956 First meeting to discuss formation of the GCNA
18 June 1956 Constitution for GCNA written. Two sections to the county organisation:
i) Schools section
ii) Adult section
5 October 1956 First County trials held:
i) 54 trialists Schools section
ii) 20 selected (two teams of 10)
24 November 1956 County Kit chosen – Emerald Green Skirts
First match played against Bristol Netball Association
Juniors lost 12-3
Seniors lost 25-5
23 March 1957 Participated in Intercounties Tournament in Yeovil
19 May 1958 First AGM held, an election of officers took place
30 November 1960 Knock-out Tournament introduced with eight teams (The Audrey Bateman Shield)
September 1967 Gloucester City Youth Netball League introduced
September 1969 Joined the West Midlands Region from the South West Region
September 1972 Gloucestershire League introduced
May 1973 Cheltenham Ladies were champions in the first season of the Gloucestershire League
September 1973 Gloucestershire League expanded to 18 teams
March 1979 May Dent Trophy introduced