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University becomes new home for Premier League netball club
Solent University in Southampton has become the new home for a premier league netball club.
Weston Park Blades played their first game on campus on Sunday, October 27, against Academy Netball Club, winning the match 53-51.
The club competes in England Netball’s National Premier League Division 1, the highest amateur level and the second tier of the sport.
Their move to Solent is seen as beneficial, as many athletes at the start of their careers study at the university.
At Solent, the Blades will have access to the university’s £28m sports complex and facilities.
The club’s presence is expected to provide opportunities for students in the Department of Sport and Health to gain practical experience in delivering sports therapy, strength and conditioning sessions, and fitness testing.
Sports Journalism students will also have the chance to get involved in live sport reporting and streaming.
Solent’s sport education partnerships manager, Iain Molyneux, said: "We are truly delighted to bring Premier League Netball to Solent, shining a light on elite level women’s sport. Working closely with England Netball, we have been able to facilitate the requirements set out by the Netball Premier League and upgrade our facilities.
"These adaptations have not only enabled us to bring Weston Park Blades to Solent but also host our netball BUCS fixtures in the performance hall, further championing women’s sport."
Club president, Sarah Wakeman, said: "We are delighted to partner with Southampton Solent University to bring high performance netball to Southampton and the wider netball community in the south of England. The coaching teams are thrilled to see our top team playing in the sports complex for our nine home matches in the 2024-25 season, and to offer a great spectator experience in the outstanding facilities."
The club, almost 60 years old and one of the leading performance clubs in England, offers opportunities for players from under 10s to senior teams.
Last season, the club came second in England Netball’s National Premier League.
The university believes the club’s presence will inspire its community of learners and raise the aspirations of sports students and societies, as well as members of the Sports Excellence Programme.
