It’s full time for The Co-operative and Netball Superleague

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http://www.englandnetball.co.uk/news/Current_News.php?articleId=933

Three years on and it’s full time for The Co-operative and Netball Superleague
8th February 2010

Having come to the end of a successful three year relationship, England Netball announces that The Co-operative have decided not to extend their title sponsorship of Netball Superleague once the season concludes in May.

The decision follows what has been a period of reinvention for The Co-operative and whilst they have decided to withdraw from Netball Superleague, they will be continuing with their title sponsorship of the International Netball Series.

Paul Clark, England Netball’s Chief Executive reflected; “Working with The Co-operative on Netball Superleague has been fantastic, they are a pro-active sponsor who has benefitted the sport immensely over the past three years. Whilst they have decided not to take Netball Superleague forward, England Netball are extremely pleased that they are continuing with the International Series and we’re looking forward to working with The Co-operative to ever increase the success of what is one of the most important events on the international calendar.”

With the re-brand of The Co-operative having been completed over the past twelve months and the recent acquisition of Somerfield group times are changing at The Co-operative as Liz Matkin, Head of Sponsorship commented; “Sponsoring Netball has been a key feature to our sponsorship portfolio over the past three years and the relationship has evolved through our period of renaissance. It was not an easy decision to withdraw from Netball Superleague; the league harbours an incredible talent pathway as well as weekly coverage on SKY Sports. It is a valuable property; however Netball Superleague plus the International Series are properties The Co-operative could not continue to effectively sponsor together. I’m confident that the title sponsorship will not remain on the market for long and I know the team at England Netball have more to offer than ever to their next partner. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone good luck for the remaining Superleague season plus every success to the England squad in the up and coming International Series as well as the Commonwealth games in October.”

Netball Superleague is the premier domestic netball league in the UK, with nine teams participating including Scotland’s Glasgow Wildcats and Wales’ Celtic Dragons. The season begins in December and runs through to May, it attracts international players and offers UK talent the opportunity to play to an audience of thousands each week on SKY Sports.

Paul Clark concluded, “Netball Superleague has progressed immensely over the past three years and we have reached the point now where we’re ready to take the next step to make the League a bigger and better experience for all involved. A number of our teams are opening new facilities next season so are looking to grow audiences. It’s an exciting time to get involved with the premier women’s sport in the UK!”

The Co-operative Netball Superleague is televised every Thursday on SKY Sports and this year’s Grand Final is due to take place on May 15th at Nottingham Trent FM Arena. England Netball launched the new Netball Superleague website this season and the Netball podcast is currently in production to cover all the Play-Off and Grand Final action. The podcast has received over 600,000 downloads since its launch last year and will be an integral communication tool for Netball Superleague next season, reaching the ever increasing netball community.

http://www.englandnetball.co.uk/news/Current_News.php?articleId=933