Yorkshire Jets lose their place in Netball’s Superleague

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England Netball have decided not to offer place to Yorkshire Jets in the Vitality Netball Superleague for the coming seasons.  

Full Statement from Yorkshire Jets:

image002Mariana Pexton, Chair of Yorkshire Jets: “We are extremely disappointed to announce that England Netball have chosen not to give a place to Yorkshire Jets in the Vitality Netball Superleague for the coming seasons.

“Everyone at Jets worked closely with our partners at Yorkshire Netball and others to put together the strongest possible bid to continue in the competition, drawing on our experience developing young players and delivering high quality elite netball to sell-out crowds in Yorkshire.

“We acknowledged there was more work to do – for example on our infrastructure, suitable venue and commercial investment – but had what we felt were achievable plans to achieve success and stability. England Netball, however, decided our bid was not as robust as others and it was for that reason they decided not to award us a franchise.

“To say we are gutted at the outcome is an understatement. This decision by England Netball will have far reaching consequences. Not having a Superleague franchise for Yorkshire, given all that has been achieved, seems like throwing away a huge opportunity and is a setback for netball and women’s sport in the region.”

Pam Hoyle, Chair of Yorkshire Netball, added: “As the regional arm of England Netball we are deeply upset and shocked that a decision has been made to take a Superleague franchise away from this region.

“We have been developing and growing our relationship with Yorkshire Jets to ensure there was a clear pathway for talented young netballers who could aspire to be part of the region’s elite side. That opportunity will no longer exist and that is a huge blow for the sport in Yorkshire.

“On behalf of the region, I will be in touch with both the Chair and Chief Executive of England Netball to express my extreme dismay and huge disappointment and to highlight the inevitable impact this decision will have.  It is a very, very sad day for netball in Yorkshire.

“In the meantime, we are also working with Yorkshire Jets to try and ensure we continue to provide high quality coaching to the future stars of our sport to ensure they get the support they need to achieve success.” 

Following the decision, Yorkshire Jets have put together answers to a number of key questions which can be found via here.

Report courtesy of the Yorkshire Jets.