In the Victorian era netball was introduced as a seemly pastime to improve the fitness of young ladies and ready them for marriage and motherhood; it was a game deemed appropriate for ankle-length skirts and mutton-sleeved blouses, devoid of unbecoming ‘rough and tumble’.A 1916 journal opined that the game improved girls’ grace and character, encouraged ‘good temper and pluck’ and an ‘inexpressively happy attitude’ while critics cautioned netball could prove a distraction from wifely chores.So heaven forfend if netball’s pioneers could see the game as played by its elite today; the pitched battles waged on court by sweat-lashed female powerhouses; virtuoso athletes of dizzying speed and agility who face down opponents with Exocet determination.Nothing like the game that was introduced in the United States in the late 19th century as a more sedate and a no-contact version of basketball considered acceptable for ladies.The blueprint of the current game was first played in England in 1895 at the Madame Ostenburg’s women’s physical institute in West Hampstead before it spread across the Commonwealth.The early Australian versions of the game were played with makeshift equipment like broomsticks, wet paper bags, and washing baskets. June McNeill (SCO) and Katrina Grant (NZL) in action during the netball match between Scotland and New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in 2014Such timid play bears no resemblance to the choreographed ferocity of the game today; the mid-air clashes of women of colossal fitness and grit would have the Victorians reaching for the smelling salts.Mention netball in Scotland and many will be propelled back to the game introduced into the playgrounds of the 1970s as a sport to occupy the girls in an era when football was just for the boys.But the game has evolved dramatically since those days of flimsy plimsolls and pleated gym slips.With 20 million women and girls playing netball internationally it is the largest female team participation sport in the world and it’s about to take centre stage in the Glasgow’s 2026 Commonwealth Games, in which the Scottish Thistles will take part.The Thistles will be pitted against an all-star line up including premier squads Jamaica, England and South Africa as well as the best of the best – Australia and New Zealand.But with the advantage of playing in their home turf, the 12 women chosen to represent the Thistles and Team Scotland are confident they can more than hold their own.Iona Christian, 28, an illustrator and mother of one has 33 caps and warns opponents that her team is as tough as its name would suggest .She said: ‘A thistle is an extremely resilient, prickly flower, known for thriving in harsh conditions and when you come up against a Thistle on a netball court it’s never going to be an easy battle.’Despite an ongoing campaign the sport is not yet included in the Olympics making the Commonwealth games and the Netball World Cup the only two international premier events in the sport.Christian added: ‘The Commonwealth Games are huge for netball. We get a chance to play against some of the best teams in the world which is an incredible opportunity. It’s going to be a major showcase for netball as well as for Scotland. ‘ Liana Leota of New Zealand is challenged by Claire Brownie of ScotlandFor Christian, it has been tricky juggling her sport with her career and the team includes under-graduates and professionals such as a lawyer, doctors and accountants.She also has an energetic two-year son Lawrie but family including husband Jonathan have supported her to meet the hefty commitments of training and will be cheering from the stands of Glasgow venue the Hydro arena.‘I think it’s inspiring for my son to see his mum represent Scotland and the incredible women who make up the team have been great for him to be around. It really does take a village and the Thistles are like a family.’Captain Emily Nicholl knows it will be an emotional experience on Thursday when she walks with Team Scotland in the athletes’ parade of 74 nations at the games’ opening ceremony in the city’s Hydro attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla.‘I know there will be a lump in my throat. There is no better crowd than the Scots and the roof will be coming off the Hydro with the roar of them. Hopefully the Tartan Army will also be showing up to give us the same incredible support they gave Scotland at the World Cup.’Since the 1980s, men have also competed in netball though it is still relatively niche and male teams are not included in the Commonwealth Games as yet.Today men’s and mixed netball leagues thrive in countries like Australia, England, and South Africa and the male game is growing in Scotland.As preparation for major tournaments, the Thistles play against male players so the women can test themselves against potentially stronger and taller opponents; though the height range of the Thistles runs from 5ft 4in to 6ft 5in and it is not unusual for a female player to lift 100kg.Nicholl said playing against men is part of the plan to make the Thistles adaptable.‘A lot of the men are really big so that’s great practice for us. I love playing them and we can match up against them. More often than not it’s the men who end up falling on the floor rather than us.’ Scotland netball team members celebrate their win over Trinidad & Tobago in 2014Netball’s elite have expressed their gratitude after Glasgow stepped in to save the games when Australia’s state of Victoria pulled out in 2023 due to escalating costs.The remodelled Games has earmarked netball as one of its marquee sports.Dr Tina Karaitana, President of Netball New Zealand, said the Commonwealth Games are an essential ‘pinnacle event’ for high performance teams like the Silver Ferns.‘The Games highlight netball as a global sport, demonstrating the skills, speed and athleticism of players.Keeping the sport of netball in the hearts and minds of global audiences is vital to ensure the sustainability and legacy continues for future Silver Ferns and of course the Thistles.’Tickets are on sale for netball at the Hydro via glasgow2026.com/tickets