Panthers prepare for new adventure at Island Invitational Netball Games
GUERNSEY’S senior netballers have an exciting new inter-island competition on the horizon.
Various members of the Island Games family – with Guernsey among the five already confirmed – have been invited to compete in a new multi-day netball tournament, with the inaugural edition taking place in the Isle of Man between 6-11 November.
Panthers head coach Sally Carns has welcomed the focus provided by the so-called Island Invitational Netball Games.
‘It’s really exciting for us as an island, as it gives us something to build towards,’ she said.
‘We have spoken about having regular fixtures and if we can get this in place, it gives us a real focus.
‘The idea is to replicate the Island Games.’
The competition will also give a feel of major European tournaments and takes place at a capable venue, the Isle of Man’s National Sports Centre. The venue’s full-sized sports halls hosted eight international teams for the Europe Netball Open Challenge last year.
Carns described the local uptake as ‘absolutely brilliant’ as around 30 players vie for the 12 first-team and three travelling reserve places provided.
‘Every time I turn up for a session, there are more people appearing,’ added a coach who is still based in Ipswich and makes trips over to the island.
The Guernsey Netball Association are also looking to take umpires, bench officials and event professionals over for the tournament.
This comes as welcome news amid a competitive lull for seniors that started during the initial Covid lockdown.
After March’s inter-insulars marked a return to representative action, the GNA have looked beyond a senior South League campaign and are considering other options, including friendlies against UK teams.
But the Island Invitational Netball Games provide a concrete focus and will pit Guernsey against Jersey, the Isle of Man, Shetland and Orkney, with Malta and Gibraltar to be confirmed.
