One of Netball Europe’s biggest annual tournaments will be held in the Isle of Man later this week.

The European Open Challenge begins on Thursday and will see the Manx senior side line up against nations from across the continent and beyond.

Joining the islanders for four days of competition at the NSC will be visitors from Gibraltar, the Republic of Ireland, Israel, Cayman Islands, the United Arab Emirates and the UK Armed Forces Netball Association.

The Isle of Man finished runner-up on its debut at this level last year and will be wanting to go one better in front of a home crowd.

Isle of Man Netball Association president Pip Cross said: ’After months of planning we are all very excited and looking forward to welcoming the teams and supporters for what we know will be a superb tournament of netball played at an international level.

’If you still think netball is a few girls passing a ball to each other on the school playground, a visit to the NSC this week might change your view.

’To witness one of the fastest, most dynamic and physically-demanding female sports in the world, visit www.netball.im and follow the link for tickets.’

Online ticket sales close at 5pm on Wednesday evening, with Saturday and Sunday almost sold out. A limited number of tickets will be available at the NSC for cash sales on the day.

The Isle of Man begins its campaign against Israel on Thursday evening at 7pm, with games against the Armed Forces and Cayman on Friday, Emirates and Gibraltar on Saturday and holders Ireland on Sunday.

All games will be streamed live on Netball Europe’s YouTube channel.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:

All games at NSC

Thursday, May 9

9am UK AFNA v Gibraltar

11am Cayman Islands v Ireland

1pm Israel v Emirates

3pm Gibraltar v Cayman Islands

5pm Ireland v UK AFNA

7pmIsrael v Isle of Man

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Friday, May 10

9am Ireland v Israel

11am Emirates v Cayman Islands

1pm Isle of Man v UK AFNA

3pm Gibraltar v Israel

5pm Ireland v Emirates

7pm Isle of Man v Cayman Islands

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Saturday, May 11

9am UK AFNA v Cayman Islands

11am Isle of Man v Emirates

1pm Ireland v Gibraltar

4pm Emirates v UK AFNA

6pm Gibraltar v Isle of Man

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Sunday, May 12

9am Cayman Islands v Israel

11am Emirates v Gibraltar

1pm Isle of Man v Ireland

3pm Israel v UK AFNA

Followed by the closing ceremony