UK netball is hotting up despite freezing temperatures
Snow stops play in the UK
The Co-operative Netball Superleague (CNS), the UK’s premier domestic netball competition, is now under way although the current bad weather in the UK is disrupting the schedule somewhat as teams are unable to travel. The league, now in its 5th season, comprises 9 franchises from England, Scotland & Wales.
The teams consist of mainly home-grown talent from the UK but has attracted players from some of the top netball nations, such as New Zealand, Australia and Jamaica. Leagues such as this are a showcase for elite athletes striving for national selection and help to prepare them for the rigours of international competition. The CNS also provides opportunities for coaches and officials to develop their skills to perform at the highest level.
The CNS has recently launched its new website where you can keep up to date with all the latest netball news, match results and team profiles. There have been lots of changes in the teams since last year’s event. The former London & South East franchise, Brunel Hurricanes, has undergone a major rebranding and re-emerged as Surrey Storm and have caused quite a stir with some big name signings. Despite reigning champions TeamBath’s dominance of the competition since it started, there are some strong contenders for their throne this year.
If you’re in the UK, find your nearest Superleague team and go to see them play. Show your support not only for the team, but for netball in general. We want to raise the profile of our great game so that netball gets the recognition it deserves. We all need to get out there and show how popular netball really is, to help increase participation and attract more media interest. Make an event of it if you can: make it a team outing or take family and friends, especially the ones who may not have seen an elite game before. Why not try to persuade your dad, brother or boyfriend to come along sometimes? You may not immediately convert them to the joys of netball but they may be pleasantly surprised at how good it is and may even want to get more involved in our sport. We can but dream! To borrow a well worn phrase, every little helps.
You can also catch some of the games on the Sky Sports Netball Show. Check the CNS website for details of the TV schedule. The Sky Sports Netball Show covers the CNS games plus international competitions such as Test Series and the World Championships.
Next week, I’ll take a brief look at all 9 franchises and how their season is shaping up. Which Superleague team will you be supporting and let’s us know what you think of the CNS? If you’re outside of the UK, is there much interest in the equivalent competition in your country?
Themocracy
Are there players from New Zealand and Australia in some of the teams? Who?
Leeds Carnegie and Loughborough Lightning both fielded Australian players this season. Check out http://www.netballsuperleague.com/team for more info.