Vitality Netball Horizon Series 2025
England Netball and Netball Jamaica announce the Vitality Netball Horizon Series (VNHS) 2025 London fixtures and fundraising to support Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa England Netball and Netball Jamaica today confirmed that the Vitality Netball Horizon Series (VNHS) matches on 13 and 14 December at the Copper Box Arena will be the only fixtures taking place this year, following the cancellation of the Jamaican leg due to the devastating impact and disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.
With large parts of Jamaica significantly affected, and the lives of thousands of families upended, the decision to cancel the home fixtures for the Sunshine Girls was made after close consultation between England Netball and Netball Jamaica, prioritising the welfare and recovery needs of the affected communities.
To support the island’s recovery, England Netball will donate £1 from every ticket sold for games at the Copper Box Arena to Netball Jamaica’s chosen charity, World Central Kitchen (WCK). WCK teams are providing thousands of hot, culturally familiar meals each day to Jamaican families rebuilding after the disaster. Fans can also make an additional impact by adding an optional donation when purchasing tickets online. Further fundraising initiatives will be announced in due course, offering even more in-arena opportunities to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts.
Given the unique circumstances of this situation, England Netball is working closely with Netball Jamaica to support and facilitate the Sunshine Girls’ participation in the series. This collaboration ensures the team can focus on their performance while also using the series as an opportunity to raise awareness of, and funds for, the ongoing relief efforts in Jamaica.
Ebony Usoro-Brown, President of England Netball, said: “The relationship between England Netball and Netball Jamaica runs far deeper than anything that happens on the court. Having faced the Sunshine Girls throughout my playing career, I know firsthand the passion, pride, and resilience they bring to every match. They are more than opponents; they have shaped some of the most defining moments in our sport.
“As someone with Jamaican heritage, it fills me with immense pride to see England Netball and the Vitality Roses stand in support at a time when Jamaica needs us most. While the Sunshine Girls are unable to host their home fixtures, we are committed to welcoming them to London with open arms and ensuring they feel respected, supported, and at home.
“I know our England Netball community will rise to the occasion. The kindness, generosity, and unity within our sport are second to none, and I have every confidence that our fans will show the Sunshine Girls just how strong the bond between our nations truly is. Together, we stand shoulder to shoulder, on and off the court.”
Karen Rosen-Baugh, President of Netball Jamaica, said: “Hurricane Melissa has caused widespread and devastating damage to several Jamaican communities and has also had unexpected impact on our planning for the Horizon Series. We are grateful for the support of the team from England Netball and our diaspora community to ensure that we can use the UK leg of the Horizon Series to demonstrate the strength and resilience of Jamaicans and the Sunshine Girls and very importantly, coordinate added support for the recovery effort. The Rhone Hornsby Trophy is now even more a symbol of our shared heritage and love for the sport of netball.
“This series is not just about competition; it is a symbol of hope and a call to action for fans and communities to unite in support of Jamaica’s recovery. We look forward to an outstanding series and sharing in making a significant contribution to Jamaica’s recovery.”
Vitality Netball Horizon Series Schedule
Saturday 13 December Curtain raiser – 12:00 England vs. Jamaica – 14:15
Sunday 14 December Curtain raiser – 11:45 England vs. Jamaica – 14:00
With thanks to England Netball
