Isle of Man Netball is hosting the Europe Netball Under-21 Championships this weekend, featuring sides representing England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The three-day tournament is centred on the main sports hall at the National Sports Centre in Douglas and will include a three-match Test Series between the Isle of Man senior side and Commonwealth Games regulars Wales. Isle of Man Netball is also putting on several showcase matches featuring a men’s side, in addition to under-17 and under-19 sides.

Pip Cross, president of Isle of Man Netball, explains that a lot of work has gone into planning the event: ’We are incredibly excited to be hosting the Europe Netball U21 Championship this weekend.

’This event is months in the making; a lot of hard work from a committed team of volunteers. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved.

’It’s going to be a brilliant weekend and the perfect opportunity to showcase our fantastic sport and put Isle of Man Netball on the international stage.’

Those sentiments were echoed by Claire Battye, Isle of Man Netball’s development officer and head of performance, who added: ’I’m really proud to see a jam-packed schedule of netball for the weekend ahead.

’Not only will we see international games with the u21 event and the senior squad test series with Wales ranked in the top 10 in the world, we also have walking netball and men’s netball on display.

’Our sport is one that can be enjoyed by all, at different levels and abilities. Congratulations to everyone involved in the weekend both on and off court, and good luck to our Manx Rams!’

The match schedule for the weekend is as follows:

Thursday, November 11: Isle of Man showcase, Manx Fellas A v Manx Fellas B (all-men’s game).

Friday, November 12: 2pm, Isle of Man Under-21 v England U21; 4pm, Wales U21 v Northern Ireland U21; 6pm, open test match - Isle of Man v Wales.

Saturday, November 13: 10am, open test match - Isle of Man v Wales. Midday, Wales U21 v Isle of Man U21; 2pm, England U21 v Isle of Man U21; 4pm, Isle of Man showcase match, Isle of Man U17 v Isle of Man U19; 5.30, Isle of Man showcase match, Walking netball; 7pm, open test match - Isle of Man v Wales.

Sunday, November 14: 9.30am, Wales U21 v England U21; 11.30am, Isle of Man U21 v Northern Ireland U21.

There are still some tickets available for the weekend’s matches - for more information and to register for tickets, email [email protected]

Full weekend admission passes are £50.