Welsh Netball is delighted to announce a four year contract with England Netball’s Vitality Netball Superleague, beginning in 2017.
The contract allows Welsh Netball’s franchise team Celtic Dragons to continue their progress in the highly-respected Netball Superleague, which is sponsored by Vitality.
“We are thrilled to announce our four-year contract with the Vitality Netball Superleague,” says Welsh Netball Chief Executive, Sarah Jones.
“This exciting four year contract, which until now has been a year-on-year contract, gives the Celtic Dragons franchise more stability.
“This is an incredible platform for the sport. Having coverage with Sky and local channels allows the sport a level of visibility which can only enhance an already rapidly-growing and competitive sport.
“As well as benefitting the sport in Wales, we are very proud that our involvement will benefit netball across the UK. Wales will add depth and diversity to the Superleague, and players will learn from valuable experiences provided by the VNSL.”
Celtic Dragons had a competitive season in 2015-16. The franchise will certainly help inspire current and attract new netball players across the country, according to last season’s Celtic Dragons captain Suzy Drane.
“I am ecstatic about today’s news,” says Drane. “Our place in the Vitality Netball Superleague will continue to support our performance structures.
“The VNSL is a key event in the annual netball calendar here in Wales, and our participation in the league will help attract more Welsh netball players to engage in the sport.
“The coverage that the Superleague provides will continue to impact positively on netball performance in Wales.
“This fantastic Celtic Dragons franchise contract secures development and progress for our future moving forward.”
It is an incredibly positive day for netball in the UK, including Wales, says CEO Sarah Jones.
“This is a fantastic achievement. The Celtic Dragons franchise is critical to our performance pathway and engaging with the netball community.
“The Celtic Dragons provide great role models for girls and women across the country, and we are confident that the franchise will continue to nurture excellent talent over the coming years.
“We are very much looking forward to the next four years.”
Celtic Dragons will meet the following teams in the 2017 VNSL:
Celtic Dragons, Hertfordshire Mavericks, Loughborough Lightning, Manchester Thunder, Scottish Sirens, Severn Stars, Surrey Storm, Team Bath, Team Northumbria, Wasps “
ENDS
