Portugal Netball Festival 2025: A Joyful Debut for International Netball in Lisbon
The first edition of the Portugal Netball Festival, organised by Move Sports in partnership with Netball Portugal, took place on the 1st and 2nd of November 2025 in Lisbon, and it delivered exactly what it promised: competitive matches, international spirit and plenty of fun.
A Wet Start, Then Sunshine and Smiles
The weekend began with some early morning rain on Saturday, which briefly delayed the start of the matches. But once the skies cleared, the games got underway, and the tournament quickly settled into its rhythm. The lost time was recovered smoothly, and the courts remained buzzing with energy throughout the day.
By Sunday, the weather had turned in full favour of the event. Under clear skies and warm sunshine, the festival atmosphere truly came alive. While the matches were fiercely contested, what stood out was the camaraderie among the teams. Between games, players from different countries shared laughs, exchanged choreography, danced together and celebrated the spirit of sport in a way that transcended competition.
Seven Teams, One Community
This inaugural edition welcomed seven teams from across Europe, including participants from Northern Ireland, England, Malta and Portugal. With a total of 110 players, 21 matches played over two days, and eight umpires ensuring the highest standards of play, the Portugal Netball Festival set the tone for what is sure to become a staple in the European netball calendar.
The final standings were as follows:
Tequila Storm (England) – Champions
Goal Diggers (England)
All Ages Malta (Malta)
Albufeira All-Stars (Portugal)
City of Derry (Northern Ireland)
Silver Coast Sirens (Portugal)
Lisbon Leoas (Portugal)
Whether seasoned players or newcomers to the sport, all participants contributed to a weekend defined not just by scores and rankings, but by inclusiveness, celebration and shared love for netball.
A Bright Future Ahead
The success of this first edition confirms what organisers and participants had hoped: that Portugal is ready to welcome the netball world. With enthusiastic local teams, growing interest in the sport, and the support of international clubs, the Portugal Netball Festival is set to return in 2026, even bigger and better.
As the final whistle blew on Sunday and shields were handed out, the message was clear: this was more than a tournament. It was something special for netball in Portugal.