The new netball season is set to start at the end of October after renovation works on the courts at Bernard Park are on the verge of completion.

The courts were shut down early this year over safety issues raised by the Bermuda Netball Association over the disintegrating asphalt surface.

Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport Owen Darrell said work on the courts was at an advanced stage, with just a few areas of attention needed.

“As of last week the majority of the repairs have been completed,’’ Darrell said.

“The repairs have been done and the cracks have been repainted. I want to thank the department for getting it down and getting that done right away.

“I spoke to the Bermuda Netball Association president, Kimale Evans, and she wants some minor issues attended to such as poles going up and the trees trimmed back, but she was grateful that the majority of the repairs have been done.

“The Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation are going to be doing a site visit with her probably late this week just to have a walk through and fully sign off. We’ll then be formalising a new agreement with the Bermuda Netball Association so that they start their season without interruption.

“Before we renovated the courts, there were large cracks which could twist an ankle or hurt someone.

“The court was also very slippery, so we put a new surface down that is non-slippery. I think they should be very happy with the work that’s been done in advancement of their season.

Registration for all senior and juniors teams opened on Monday and closes on October 14, exactly two weeks before the start of the league.

Age divisions for the league are 11 and under, 14 and under, 17 and under as well as seniors (open). Senior teams are required to pay $300, while registration for junior sides is $150. For players aged 18 and over the fee is $30, with the price set at $15 for under-18s. Ages are determined as at December 31.