For many years, sports tourism was often associated with youth teams, elite training camps or professional clubs preparing for the season ahead. Young athletes travelled to compete internationally, academies searched for new experiences, and senior professional teams looked for high-quality facilities in favourable conditions.

There is a moment, usually early on a Saturday morning, when the first teams step onto the pitch. Flags are visible. Different languages echo across the venue. Coaches exchange greetings. Players look around and realise this is something bigger than a regular fixture.

That moment is never accidental.

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From the outside, an international sports event looks simple. Teams arrive, matches are played, medals are awarded, and photos are taken. But what happens on the field is only the visible outcome of months of planning, coordination and decision-making that most teams never see.

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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.