Antigua and Barbuda Netball Team to Skip Qualifiers
The national squad will bypass World Cup qualifying rounds to compete in the upcoming Battle of the Isles tournament.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Tennis
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The Antigua and Barbuda Netball Association will bypass the OECS Netball World Cup Qualifiers, opting instead to compete in the Battle of the Isles tournament starting October 28, 2026. The association withdrew alongside Antigua, St. Kitts, and Dominica to prioritize participation in the St. Maarten event.
Why it matters
The decision follows a determination by the association that the high cost of the World Cup qualifiers was inefficient given the team's prospects. By choosing the Battle of the Isles, officials hope to improve the team's international ranking and defend their title.
The Antigua and Barbuda Netball Association selected a 13-member senior women's squad to represent the nation. This roster will be tasked with defending the team's title at the Battle of the Isles.
The players
Jamila Fitz
She serves as the head coach for the Antigua and Barbuda senior women's netball team.
Akiel Hazelwood
He acts as the assistant coach for the national netball squad.
Sanchez Martin
He is the designated team manager for the Antigua and Barbuda Netball Association roster.
Durand Meade
He provides primary care services for the netball team during tournament play.
The details
The team will travel to the LB Scott Sports Auditorium in St. Maarten to face competition from Anguilla, Dominica, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Saba. The squad is managed by a support team led by head coach Jamila Fitz.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: Battle of the Isles tournament begins.
November 1, 2026: Battle of the Isles tournament concludes.
Season Trajectory
By withdrawing from the OECS Netball World Cup Qualifiers, the Antigua and Barbuda Netball Association is deprioritizing global qualification in favor of regional title defense. This pivot reshapes the team's competitive focus for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year.
The team will no longer be eligible for World Cup advancement following this withdrawal. Followers should monitor the Battle of the Isles results to see if the squad successfully defends its title in St. Maarten.
The takeaway
Smaller sports associations often must choose between costly high-level qualification paths and more accessible regional tournaments to maintain their viability. This case illustrates the difficult financial balancing acts facing national teams outside of major global events.
Further reading
For more on international competition news, visit Tennis.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Antigua Observer Newspaper.
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