Source: Red Bull

University of Manchester win Inaugural Red Bull Switch Up

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In its debut tournament, Red Bull Switch Up 2016 saw teams from across the UK take on an exciting new playing format in this highly anticipated one-day netball event in Manchester. EventCity set the stage, for a fast-paced and action packed round-robin tournament, showcasing a new and alternative playing format to an enthusiastic varsity and club netball audience.

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Winning team University of Manchester (Photo: Red Bull)

Both University of Manchester and Manchester Met impressed in the group stages with back-to-back victories in their opening matches. As possession changed hands quickly, teams relished adapting to the demands of Red Bull Switch Up, with some sharp shooting on show and impressive 2 pointers throughout.

Speaking of the new format University of Birmingham team captain Georgina Lewis said “It’s quicker, requires some fast reactions, and quickly switching from attack to defence. It’s definitely a shooters game with so many opportunities on the court to score either 1 or 2 points”

The hotly contested semi-final matches featured Sheffield Hallam, the Dome, Manchester Met, and University of Manchester, as players’ speed, versatility, and all round playing abilities were put to the test. Both Manchester outfits emerged victorious to contest the showpiece finale in this, the inaugural Red Bull Switch Up event. In the final showdown, University of Manchester went on to win 6-4 in a closely contested match against their local varsity rivals, to be crowned Red Bull Switch Up 2016 champions.

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Photo: Red Bull

Stepping off the court to tell us of their teams’ victory, Sarah Payne, University of Manchester team captain told us  “It was great, a fantastic day, and great to try out a new way of playing the game – we absolutely loved it!”

Akuma are the official kit supplier of Red Bull Switch Up:

“We are incredibly excited to be official teamwear partners with Red Bull netball switch up, as it is such an innovative and unique event. It is great to be merging the traditional elements of netball to create such a contemporary and fast-paced game”

Red Bull Switch Up is supported by England Netball: Over 155,000 over 16s are taking to the netball court at least once a week as netball continues to be one of the fastest growing team sports in the country.

You can get more information here.

Join the conversation @RedBullUK #RedBullSwitchUp

 

 

Report courtesy of Red Bull