NI Netball Stars Set For World Cup

A Northern Ireland squad is set to compete among sixteen netball teams at the World Cup in Liverpool next month.

Founded in 1955, the NI national team is currently ranked eighth in the world and qualified for the tournament with a 57-42 victory over a strong Wales team.

A reception was held in Belfast today, Friday 21 June, ahead of the opening match against current world champions Australia. The competition will take place from 12-21 July.

Speaking at the reception, Department for Communities Permanent Secretary Tracy Meharg said: "I would like to congratulate the Northern Ireland Netball team on qualifying for the World Cup and wish them well for an enjoyable and successful tournament.

"By reaching the Netball World Cup and showcasing their sporting talent, the team will hopefully inspire the next generation of players from Northern Ireland to emulate their success and go on to participate and excel in sport."

Other recent achievements by the team include winning the Nations Cup in 2009 and 2015 and achieving a third and fourth place finish at the European championships in 2010 and 2011.

Chair of Netball NI Geoff Wilson said the reception and support has been a great boost to the squad, coaches and managers of the team.

He added: "This event is a perfect beginning to the number of activities we have over the next week that will give our supporters the opportunity to come out and see our PwC Warriors in action before leaving for Liverpool."

Dan Ryan, Head Coach of the Northern Ireland Netball Team, said: "We've been working hard in our preparation so it is super to have some time off court to let everyone know what we are doing in these final stages before the World Cup. It's a huge event for netball and for many of our team, including me, it's the first time we'll be competing on such a stage, having so much support from the Department for Communities and Tracy in particular is greatly appreciated. We'll be on court three weeks from today and playing hard not only for the result but to make our supporters proud."



(JG/CM)