Netball ACT are determined to secure more Super Netball matches in the capital as their deal with Giants Netball looks to expire at the end of next year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Canberra Times can reveal the Giants will return to Canberra next season when they host the Queensland Firebirds at the AIS Arena on Saturday, May 30.
The round five clash will be the final installment of a three-year deal between Netball NSW and the ACT government to host matches in the capital until at least 2020.
Julie Fitzgerald's side remain undefeated in the capital, with the Giants beating Queensland in a brutal contest in front of a sell-out crowd earlier this year.
Netball ACT boss David Marjoribanks says the organisation wants to ensure their partnership with the Giants extends beyond their current agreement and increase the visibility of elite netball in the territory.
MORE CANBERRA SPORT:
"It's essential we continue to have live matches of Super Netball played in Canberra and we're certainly looking to attract the competition to participate here moving forward," Majoribanks said.
"It's something we want to ensure we continue because it provides a tier-one product to the Canberra community.
"Any opportunity we have to bring the best quality netball available in Australia to be seen and watched live by Canberrans is fantastic for the sport and the community as well."
The Giants' feeder-club, the Canberra Giants, has been scrapped from the Australian Netball League with Netball ACT set to introduce a standalone team in the competition next year.
The organisation will wind back the clock and reform the Canberra Darters despite three successful seasons with the Giants.
"We've still got a strong relationship with the Giants and Netball NSW around the commercial aspects of our business," Marjoribanks said.
"We welcome their involvement and participation in Canberra in terms of providing Super Netball to the netball community of the ACT.
"Super Netball, ANL and the NSW Premier League, in terms of visibility, help drive participation and growth through the grassroots level. They both have a key role to each other."
Giants memberships are open for renewal and go on sale to the general public on December 12.
Netball ACT will also enter the Capital Spirit into both levels of the NSW Premier League, with Kate Carpenter to coach the opens team and Kim Symons to coach the under-23s side.
SUPER NETBALL
Round five: Giants v Queensland Firebirds at AIS Arena, Saturday May 30, 3pm.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
