The Melbourne Mavericks are proud to bring back the Lumo Community Classic in 2026, expanding on the success of the inaugural program delivered last season.
After welcoming hundreds of young players to John Cain Arena in 2025, the Lumo Community Classic returns bigger and better in 2026, offering almost 50 teams and more than 400 young girls the opportunity to play on Victoria’s most iconic netball court across three Mavs home game days.
The Lumo Community Classic is backed by Mavs’ Foundation Partner, Lumo Energy, an Australian owned and award-winning energy retailer that is committed to giving back to the community.
The initiative will run alongside three Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) home matches on April 19, May 2 and June 13, transforming John Cain Arena into a full‑day celebration of grassroots netball.
Across each date, junior teams will take part in a series of exhibition matches played on the John Cain Arena court prior to the Mavs’ Super Netball fixtures, allowing players to experience the thrill of competing on the same surface as the world’s best netballers.
The Lumo Community Classic will again feature the same fast‑paced format as last year, with matches played as two 10‑minute halves with the Super Shot in play, mirroring the elite game and creating an exciting, authentic experience for participants.
Participants and their families will also have access to a discounted ticket offer for the SSN match that follows, giving young players the chance to stay, watch the Mavs in action and see the game’s biggest stars up close, just moments after having played on the same court themselves.
Mavs General Manager, Shae Bolton‑Brown, said the Lumo Community Classic had quickly become one of the club’s most important community initiatives.
“The response to the Lumo Community Classic last year was overwhelming, which made the decision to bring it back – and expand it – an easy one,” Bolton‑Brown said.
“To be able to offer hundreds of young girls the chance to play on John Cain Arena and then watch the athletes they look up in action on that very same court is incredibly powerful. It’s about inspiration, inclusion and showing young players that they belong in this environment.”
Anna Barshon, Lumo Energy’s Marketing Manager VIC & SA, added:
“Lumo Energy has a proud history of supporting grassroots netball across Victoria and we’re delighted to support the next generation of netballers as they take to the court at John Cain Arena.”
The first of the three Lumo Community Classics for 2026 will be held this Sunday, with games commencing at John Cain Arena at 9am.
The Mavs will take to the court in their Round 6 SSN clash against the West Coast Fever at 2pm. Tickets to the game are available via Ticketek.
