Charity Netball Tournament in aid of Greater Manchester Law Centre
16/10/2026
In aid of
Ready, Net, Go!
Date: Friday 16th October 2026
Time: 14:00 — 19:00
Location: National Cycling Centre, Stuart Street, Manchester, M11 4DQ
Cost to attend: £300 + VAT (£360.00) with 8 players (7 players + 1 sub) per team
We’re delighted to share that we are hosting our very first charity netball tournament, raising money for Greater Manchester Law Centre.
After the success of past years’ charity football tournaments, we thought it was only right to add another sport into our growing ‘MLS Olympics!’
We’re also so excited that the tournament will be taking place in the iconic Manchester Velodrome. As the ‘Home of British Cycling’, it’s one of the leading sporting institutions not only in our city, but in our country.
How will it work?
We’ll have 10 teams, each made up of 8 players (7 on court at a time with 1 substitute on the bench). The teams are divided into two groups of 5 and every match is 12 minutes long, split into two 6-minute halves.
PLEASE NOTE: if you are having a mixed team, there cannot be any more than 3 male players on the court at any time, with each player in different thirds.
We also welcome any colleagues, friends and family to come along to spectate and cheer you on!
Group stage
Each team plays against every other team in the group, meaning each team will play 4 matches. At the end of this round, the top 2 teams from each group progress to the semi-finals, with 4 teams in total going through.
Semi-finals
The four qualifying teams are drawn against each other in two semi-final matches. The winners of each semi-final advance to the final, while the two losing semi-finalists play off for third and fourth place.
The final
The two semi-final winners go head to head to compete for the top prize. The winner takes the champions’ trophy and the losing finalist receives the runners-up trophy.
Trophy presentation & celebrations
Once all the action is done, trophies for the champions and runners-up. The presentation takes place in the venue’s cafe, where we will all raise a glass to celebrate and salute all our winners. Non-alcoholic drinks will also be provided.
Timings
Teams can start arriving from 2pm. Upon arrival, please sign in with the MLS Team. Following registration, teams can then get changed and warm up before a 2:30pm SHARP start to the matches, so please be ready to play by then!
All matches will be 12 minutes long, split into two 6-minute halves.
14:00 – 14:30 Sign In & Warm Up
14:30 – 18:00 Tournament In-Play
18:00 – 19:00 Trophy Ceremony
Cost to attend
It is £300 + VAT (£360.00) to enter, with 8 players (7 players + 1 sub) per team.
To book, please email events@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk with your team’s details. Once processed, we will send you an official booking confirmation email with an invoice attached. The booking confirmation will also include the details of payment, as well as the full tournament rules.
By booking a place at this event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions details of which can be found here.
FAQs
How will I register a team?
Teams can be registered by emailing events@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk
What is the cost to enter the tournament?
The entry fee is £300.00 + VAT (£360.00) which covers tournament participation and a complementary, celebratory drink during our trophy ceremony. Please note that payment should be received prior to the event.
How many players per team?
There must be 7 players plus 1 substitute.
How will it work?
The netball tournament will follow a ‘round robin’ format with each team competing against others in their group. Group champions will advance to the finals.
Trophies will be presented for the champions and the runners up in the café afterwards. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for you to raise a glass to celebrate them!
Who is refereeing?
Matches will be officiated by certified netball umpires who will provide neutral umpiring to ensure fair and safe play.
Will there be a tournament manager?
Yes, the one and only Hannah Holland-Gray (League Executive of the Power League) will be tournament manager to ensure the tournament runs smoothly.
Who can be on the team?
Anyone! We welcome all players of any gender, age or experience level. It is a friendly tournament and a great way to meet new people while getting a bit of exercise.
Teams must have a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 8.
Please note the World Mixed Netball rules apply which include the following key points;
- Team composition – there must be a minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 male players on court at any time.
- Players positions – positions are limited to 1 male at each goal third.
All other standard world netball rules apply.
When booking, please nominate a team captain and provide their email address and mobile number in case of any last-minute changes.
Can only MLS members play?
No! This tournament is open to anyone who books before we get full including but not limited to law firms, barristers chambers, suppliers and community groups.
Are there changing rooms?
Yes, the Velodrome has changing rooms and showers.
Do we need a team kit?
No, we will provide bibs and balls but feel free to get some team t-shirts if you wish!
Where can I park my car?
There is ample free parking on site at the Velodrome.
Will there be an awards ceremony?
Yes, after the finals there will be a casual awards ceremony on site at the Velodrome Café to applaud the champions and runners up of the first MLS Netball Tournament!
All players and spectators are welcome to join and celebrate their efforts, offering another opportunity to network with like-minded people!
If you have any other questions or queries, feel free to contact the MLS Events team via email: events@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk
We look forward to seeing you on 19th June 2026!
About Greater Manchester Law Centre
Greater Manchester Law Centre is a charity set up by local lawyers and community activists to provide free legal advice to the community across the region. They are based in Levenshulme in South Manchester but take clients from Rochdale to Reddish, from Wigan to Wythenshawe, and all places in between!
Access to legal advice is not guaranteed and can be a struggle for many people – this is particularly the case for those that are vulnerable. It is estimated that across Greater Manchester over 600,000 cannot afford access to a solicitor and fall within the “Justice Gap.”
In 2025, GMLC received over 21,000 enquiries, supported 10,600 people with their legal issues and took on over 1600 cases. They undertake a full range of advice and case support and advocacy for the cases they take on.
GMLC are team of 14 advice staff of whom half are solicitors, with 2 trainee solicitors and 5 other advice staff and caseworkers. They specialise in social welfare law, specifically housing law, welfare rights, employment and discrimination and public law.
GMLC also promote and support pro bono advice, and run clinics with solicitor partners in community care, civil litigation and family law.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in supporting this event? Headline sponsorship opportunities are still available and we’d love to hear from you.
Please find our dedicated event sponsorship package HERE. Get in touch with Carla, CEO Designate, at CarlaJones@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk to discuss further or to create a bespoke package.
Please note the online payment system is not currently working. Please DO NOT use the form below as this will NOT be processed.
If you have any queries, please email Events@manchesterlawsociety.org.uk
By booking a place at this event you are agreeing to our terms and conditions details of which can be found here.