More than 1000 players set to descend on PE. With the Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League done and dusted, netball fans will turn their attention to the Spar national championships in Port Elizabeth starting on Monday.

As part of Netball South Africa's (NSA) aim to take the sport back to the people, the tournament will be played on a district basis as opposed to a provincial basis.

More than 1100 players will take part. There are 36 registered under-21 teams and 51 senior teams.

Protea players will also participate at the championships as well as all squad players.

"The NSA executive believes that by playing the championships on a districts representation basis, we are able to reach more talented players," said vice president Christine du Preez.

"This creates a wider platform for more talented players to be identified."

In past years, the week-long championships have been held during national Women's Month (August).

"Schools and universities are on holiday in July, and this means that teams can stay in school or university hostels," said Du Preez.

"This is a cheaper option for many teams that are cash-strapped. Also, because the championships are in the holidays, there are no problems with missing exams or anything like that."

The tournament will be played at the Lotto Young Park netball courts in Port Elizabeth.

The teams will play on a round robin basis before entering the knockout stages, with the final set for July 14.

There will be two sections as well as the under-21 championships that will be played at the same time.

Gauteng are the defending champions.