More than 5,000 people flocked to netball courts on Awabakal Country at the weekend for one of the largest First Nations sporting carnivals in the country.

Now, a major investment hopes to bolster the next generation of Indigenous netballers in New South Wales.

At the Koori Netball Tournament at Charlestown Netball Association over the weekend, the state government announced $50,000 in funding for Netball NSW and their programs supporting participation and high performance pathways for Indigenous athletes.

The program, Celebrating First Nations Talent and Culture at Netball, will see the delivery of initiatives for players aged 11 and upwards.

"This investment is about more than netball - it's about connection, culture, and creating real opportunities for First Nations communities across NSW," Netball NSW executive general manager, community, Tim Fava said.

"By establishing regional netball Talent Hubs, we're removing barriers like travel and cost, ensuring access to quality coaching and development no matter where you live, and bringing netball closer to Community."

In addition to talent hubs, the funding will go towards the continuation of Koori Gala Days and more additions to the Koori Netball Tournament.

Programs are focused at developing skills and talent identification, alongside confidence and cultural strength, while also easing participation barriers such as costs and transport.

In addition to players, coaches and officials are also included are those set to benefit.

"These netball hubs and programs will help uncover and nurture First Nations talent while strengthening local connections. By building pathways for netball players, coaches, and umpires within their own communities, we're supporting long-term participation and ensuring the sport reflects the diversity and strength of our state," Fava said.

For more than 25 years, the annual Koori Netball Tournament has brought First Nations teams and talent from across the state to the Newcastle area.

More than 120 teams across junior, mixed and women's seniors draws were signed up to compete at the weekend.

In the lead up, Netball NSW general manager of communities, Trish Crews, told National Indigenous Times annual engagement at the carnival is second only to State Titles, while long-time KNT player Kahlia Saunders said, for netballers, it's as big as the rugby league Koori Knockout.

"This is a fantastic initiative to grow the great sport of netball by boosting participation rates of Aboriginal players," NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said of the funding commitment.

"This program will help ensure the many talented young First Nations netballers around our state will have more pathway opportunities to realise their potential."

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the state Government "recognises the power of sport to bring people together in healthy, positive environments", noting netball as the highest female-participation sport in the country.

"These programs promote gender equity, regional opportunity, workforce development and inclusion, playing a critical role in identifying the next generation leaders in the sport," Mr Kamper said.

The $50,000 for First Nations netball comes within a quarter of a million dollar investment to Netball NSW for emerging talent and pre-elite pathways programs.

"The Koori Netball Tournament in Charlestown this weekend is a great example of First Nations netball talent and the popularity of the sport in our community," state member for Charlestown and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said.

"This funding will be a great boost to the sport - and hopefully, empower more Aboriginal women and girls to participate in netball at all levels."

Mr Fava said it is an "important investment" into the next generation of the state's netball talent, and backs the rollout of pathways programs and equitable opportunity to access in regional, rural and First Nations communities.