The World Netball Series will take place at the MEN Arena from the 9 -11th October after a great deal of development over the last 12 months to create a netball competition with the ‘wow’ factor.
In the space of three hours spectators will witness some of the world’s greatest netball promising a fast, ferocious and vibrant competition in an aim to raise the profile of the sport and attract new participants and spectators.
With a number of innovative rule changes the new format will test the fitness, technical ability and tactical awareness of the best players in the world. Each game will be played over four six minute quarters and promises to be high energy and an awesome spectacle.
The series will involve the world’s top six netball nations, England, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Samoa and Malawi, in association with IFNA, Manchester City Council, England Netball, Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and UK Sport.
Molly Rhone IFNA President, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to further showcase our sport to the world and we are eagerly looking forward to October when we welcome the top six teams to Manchester. It is a moment in history for us, as it is the first time the best teams from all around the globe will gather to compete in a new faster format of netball.
“This event promises three days packed with action, excitement and drama. We envisage that everybody who experiences a match, either on TV or at the MEN Arena will be truly entertained and will love this new international competition."
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester, as the home to the international federation IFNA, is delighted to be hosting this world class event and to be welcoming the very best netball nations to the city. We are committed to making the World Netball Series a huge success whilst ensuring that our residents and communities benefit from the opportunities that this event will create.”
Paul Clark, CEO of England Netball said: “The increased activity in the netball calendar will inject new life into netball and I am delighted that the first Series will take place in the UK. The World Netball Series will be a competition played by strong, confident and inspirational women to motivate and empower young people to get active across the world.”
Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the NWDA said: "The NWDA is delighted to have been involved in bringing such a high-profile event to Manchester. Netball is one of the key sports at the Commonwealth Games and this event will provide opportunities for preparations for Delhi in 2010 and Glasgow in 2014.
“The World Netball Series will further profile Manchester and the Northwest as international sport destinations and will make a significant contribution to the regional economy.”
Clare Hartley, Events consultant for UK Sport said: “We are excited to be supporting this new fast paced version of netball in Manchester later this year. A key Commonwealth Games sport, this initiative will be one of the most important events on the international netball calendar."
