15
May
2017
|
10:14
Europe/London
Netball big timers take on Manchester students
3224_SPORT_Manchester_Thunder_programme_advert_210mm_x_148-5mm_v1_RGB_150dpi
One of netball’s biggest superleague franchises – Manchester Thunder - is to take on a University of Manchester team of students on May 15.
The Thunder Development Squad will play the students to highlight their continued partnership at the Manchester Thunderdome.
The game will be a 5:30pm Curtain Raiser prior to the main 7:30pm Vitality Netball Super League game Thunder v Wasps.
The Thunder partnership success marks an important stage in the development of the sport at The University.
Thunder’s expert coaching staff have spurred on The University Netball Club to excel in their respective British University and Colleges Sports (BUCS) leagues, leading to three promotions this year.
The University’s netball first team plays at the highest level of University netball in the country, and five out of six teams have finished in the top three of their BUCS divisions.
The student netball players have also been busy raising £600 for charity and are part of a University netball community of over 50 student and staff volunteers and nearly 500 participants.
Imogen Greatbatch, Performance Sport Manager at the University said: “There is a huge amount of netball talent in and around Manchester. The University recognise the opportunities Thunder provides to play the best level of domestic netball in the UK, as well as inspiring individuals of all ages to play netball.
“Our Partnership with Thunder is critical in supporting student athletes who want to study at The University of Manchester through our scholarships.
“It provides opportunities to our netball community, to access and enjoy watching the game at such a high level, on our doorstep.”
“
We’re excited to play one of the top teams in netball – and we shall give it all we’ve got. It’s an absolute privilege to work with Manchester Thunder, the profile of Super League and Manchester Thunder has gone from strength to strength and the Thunder players are wonderful role models to the members of our club. We hope this relationship continues to grow and are grateful to them for the links and the success it has brought us.”
Alice Brown, fourth year Marketing with Textiles student and UoM Club Captain
„
Alice Brown, fourth year Marketing with Textiles student and UoM Club Captain said: “We’re excited to play one of the top teams in netball – and we shall give it all we’ve got. It’s an absolute privilege to work with Manchester Thunder, the profile of Super League and Manchester Thunder has gone from strength to strength and the Thunder players are wonderful role models to the members of our club.’
"We hope this relationship continues to grow and are grateful to them for the links and the success it has brought us.”
Manchester Thunder director of netball, Debbie Hallas, said: "This is a great opportunity for both our development squad and students from Manchester University to get out on court and play at the Thunderdome.
"We're expecting it to be a competitive game, which will only showcase further how strong netball is in the north west on all levels.
"The university plays a huge part in promoting our sport and we are delighted to have such a good relationship with them."