England Netball and England Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (EMMNA) have today announced a new partnership which will see both organisations join forces to develop and grow the male game in England.
This partnership aligns with World Netball’s recently launched Strategic Plan which outlined a vision to ensure netball is a sport that is open to all, and as part of the ‘Play’ strategy agreed a goal to embrace boys’ and men’s participation in netball through collaboration and support.
Speaking on the announcement Fran Connolly, CEO of England Netball, said: “In support of World Netball’s goals to expand netball’s reach globally, to take concrete steps to maximise and advance male participation and their intent to explore inclusion in the Brisbane Olympics in 2032, we recognise that as a sport we need to continue to adapt and evolve in order to thrive in the coming years.
“This partnership will play a key role in expanding the reach and audience for the sport, enabling us to together build and deliver a strategic plan to realise our joint future ambition and seek to lead a global movement.
“It is also important that we continue to protect something that is unique in our sport, those female-foundations. Rebuilding and growing the female game post-pandemic remains our immediate priority, and in doing so we will maintain and protect that safe space for women and girls to play and flourish in our sport.”
As part of the partnership World Netball members, England Netball, have also announced that an England Development Squad will face two leading men’s competitive sides, London Giants and Knight’s Men, in the upcoming Roses Reunited Series.
These games will be played at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December respectively ahead of the Vitality Roses taking to the court to face the Jamaica Sunshine Girls.
To find out more about the Roses Reunited Series, click here.
For more news and information about EMMNA click here.
For more news and information about England Netball click here.
