The Manx Netball Association has been accepted as a full member of both the International Netball Federation and Netball Europe.

Instead of affiliating as a county within England Netball’s north west region, the move means the Isle of Man is now recognised as a country in its own right, much the same as England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The key impact is that the island can now enter national teams at under-17, u21 and senior levels into a series of international tournaments.

This will give the island’s talented athletes a clearer performance pathway while continuing to develop the sport’s offering at grassroots level and within the wider sporting community.

President of the Manx Netball Association Pip Cross said: ’These are really exciting times for Manx netball.

’We are very proud of what we have achieved over the last five years or so and want to continue to build on this progress.

’We felt that to move forward in terms of developing our players as well as our officials and coaches, it was vital for us to make the move from England Netball to Netball Europe. 

’We simply did not get the opportunities to play at international level within England Netball.

’The Manx Netball Association will still offer a range of netball for all ages and abilities and this will be facilitated by netball development officer Rachel Andrew.’

For more information about netball in the Isle of Man, please take a look at www.netball.im or contact Rachel on 07624 308893 or email [email protected]

l The Manx Netball Association’s popular Back to Netball sessions resume next month at QEII school in Peel.

Aimed as those who haven’t played the sport for a while, the first session takes place on September 12 between 7 and 8pm.

Each session is led by a qualified coach who will reintroduce you to netball rules and tactics through a series of drills. This will be followed by some game time to let you put your new skills into practice.

The cost for seven sessions through to the October half-term is £30 for those who are already MNA members and £40 for non-members.

Netball development officer Rachel Andrew said: ’These courses are great for anyone wanting to brush up their skills before re-joining a league team or going along to one of our social netball sessions.

’The hardest part is taking the first step and going along to the initial session but I’m sure that everyone will have fun and get bitten by the netball bug again.’

For more info contact Rachel on 308893 or email [email protected]