Silver Ferns To Take Part In World Netball Series
MEDIA RELEASE – 5 February 2009
Silver Ferns To Take Part In World Netball Series
In October 2009, The Silver Ferns will be heading to Manchester to compete in the inaugural World Netball Series, a competition that promises fast, exhilarating, skilful Netball and new rules that will add a twist to the way Netball is currently played.
The World Netball Series will take place at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England from the 9th - 11th October following extensive trials and consultation between IFNA and member countries.
The series will involve the world’s top six netball nations Australia, New Zealand, England, Jamaica, Samoa and Malawi. Innovative rule changes include rolling substitutions, shooting from outside the goal circle and power plays. The new format will test the fitness, technical ability and tactical awareness of the best players in the world.
The new rules and format were successfully trialed by England Netball using their senior and junior squads (see Rule Explanations in Notes to Editor below).
Teams will play more than once a day and each game will played over four 6 minute quarters adding to what promises to be a high energy and awesome spectacle.
Raelene Castle, Netball New Zealand Chief Executive said she was excited about what the new competition could bring to the ever-increasing profile of Netball internationally.
“This is a new opportunity for Netball to grow the game further,” she said, “The Silver Ferns are a skilled and professional team and will be able to successfully adapt to the rule changes presented to them. They will thrive from the challenge.”
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.”
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